South Miami News 6.14.2011

JUNE 14 - 20, 2011

Activist Richard Ward shares his 50 years of community leadership

BY RAQUEL GARCIA

“W

hy in the hell would anyone want to get up on that dais and be mayor or commissioner? While I love politics, there is no way I would get up there and subject myself to what they have to deal with,” said retired former assistant principle and South Miami Middle School 9th grade Civics teacher Richard Ward.

When this South Miami activist of more than a half century and volunteer campaign manager of 13 campaigns (11 successful) speaks, the community listens.

Local historian and beloved resident Richard Ward was the James Carville, or campaign brain, behind the first AfricanAmerican vice mayor in South Miami, Leroy Spike Gibson, and the first Hispanic mayor, Julio Robaina. Perhaps it was the apparent authenticity of his voluntary leadership or the overabundance of passion that sealed Mr. Ward’s successful track record.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––– See

WARD, page 3

Letter of Instruction from Ethics Commission to Vice Mayor Valerie Newman

VICE MAYOR NEWMAN

(Read the complete letter on page 7)

South Miami United U8 Strikers go 12-0 and win championship The South Miami United U8 Strikers team faced the St. Phillips Eagles on May 21 to decide who would be the new U8 champions.

After falling behind 1-0 in the first half, the Strikers rallied behind Santiago Junco’s two goals and finished with one more goal by Zachary Maurno.

The final score of 31 gave the Strikers a 12-0 record for a very successful season under their coach Dr. Tom Maurno. Pictured are (l-r, top row) Coach Maurno, Zachary Maurno, CJ Janette, Matthew Gallagher, Neil Schiff, Jake Wolfe, Jonathan Gleason; (bottom row) Skyler Bryan, Santiago Junco and Andre Vogel.

Get well, Val...

SoMi misses you

BY NANCY EAGLETON

T

hings are not quite the same around the Blue Mall in South Miami without the familiar face and quick wit of Valerie Fox. Although Fox’s official job has been as parking attendant for the past 17 years, she has also served as the area’s security guard, information booth and voice of reason.

Fox was recently diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma and is taking time off to heal and rest after surgery. She said that she misses her job, maybe as much as the SoMi merchants and patrons miss her.

“I love this mall and I love my job,” said Fox. “I’ve gotten to know the people who frequent the Blue Mall and I helped them find a parking spot even if my lot was full. I call this the Mom’s Mall. I often saw some moms three times a day. They came for morning coffee, lunch and then again after school with their kids.”

Fox said that good ole’ fashion com-

2011 Miami Int’l Guitar Fest Series line up

BY SUSAN SMITH

H

eld at Clarke Recital Hall on the University of Miami Campus at 5501 San Amaro Drive, this year’s Miami International Guitar Festival offers an intriguing variety of consummate performers to enjoy. Tickets for each performance are $15 for general admission, $8 for students. The concert series package price is $30.

On Thursday, June 16 at 8pm the Miami International Guitar Festival will feature classical guitarist Dr. Rene Gonzalez and jazz guitarist Tom Lippincott for the first performance

of its 2011 guitar festival. Dr. Gonzalez is University of Miami’s program director for classical guitar. He frequently performs as a soloist and as part of The Billington and Gonzalez Duo which features flute and guitar music. Gonzalez will play pieces by Sagreras, Falu, Tucci, and Piazzolla. Lippincott, who is playing the second half of the concert, holds a Masters in Jazz Performance from the University of Miami. He is on the faculty of Miami Dade College and Florida International University and is a member of the Miami Jazz

––––––––––––––––––––– See GUITAR, page 9

The one and only Val Fox

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See

FOX, page 9

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

June 14 - 20, 2011

WARD,

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

from page 1 –––––––––––––––

Now in his early 70’s and “retired” since 1991, to hear him elucidate about city politics, one might assume he was just getting started. As current chairman of the board for the City of South Miami Parks and Recreation, Ward pinches his index finger and thumb together and his eyes sparkle brightly as he says, “we are this close to getting the community pool for South Miami I have been lobbying for this for over 40 years now!”

Although optimistic about this long awaited community goal, his eyebrows furrow when asked about the current climate of local politics. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said. “In the last three elections, the community has never been so divided politically. Some controversies are carrying over after the elections and spoiling the soup. We’ve had four city managers in one year because one person on the commission didn’t like each former manager.” Mr. Ward does commend the current city manager, Dr. Hector Mirabile, as a man with a calciferous enough backbone to survive the slings and arrows.

The South Miami city manager form of government operates with the mayor and commissioners creating policy while the city

news

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manager is delegated with making said policies happen. Mr. Ward is a huge proponent of the COW or “committee of the whole” meetings currently in operation where local city issues are discussed with ample citizen input.

He applauds these efforts that encourage resident involvement in local government.

“My success in education was because I always tried to be fair, firm, and consistent,” he said. “When I stated my objections with the political processes of this city, I did it in a professional manner without ripping the insides out of the person standing there in opposition. We need to reclaim this preexisting courtesy to continue to succeed as a city of elected leaders and residents working constructively together. South Miami is the captivating dynamic community we enjoy today because of heavy community involvement with elected leadership.”

Although Mr. Ward would like to see more community involvement, including four-year elections as opposed to the current two-year terms, he hopes the future will offer a more ethical political process as well and greater stability in the city manager’s office.

“Look, I admire anybody that can handle serving the public office and not go crazy,” he said. “I’ve never seen so much controversy in the 50 years I have been here. I feel like the man on the moon sometimes in such a strange setting. I hope to see more community involvement because that was the secret to our success over the years, particularly when

Page 3

Richard Ward in front of South Miami City Hall –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– we became an officially recognized “All successful as a community activist was America City” under the mayorship of Julio because of the support of the community and Robaina.” his family.

Chairman of the Board, Mr. Ward has been “We won political elections because we married to wife Margaret for 51 years. He went out and knocked door to door and got has six grandchildren from daughter Suzanne acquainted with the entire community. We and son Steve, who is currently a senior became known and trusted,” Mr. Ward broadcasting technician at South Miami explained. “I love it here and I would never Middle School. And so the legacy continues. leave it. It is a small city inside a massive Mr. Ward said that the only reason he was metropolis mess.”

Page 4

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

Elks host Boat Safety; Diabetes Association Plans ‘Walk’ Gloria Burns GLORIA’S GAB The waters around Miami will be safer for all thanks to the efforts of South Miami/Coral Gables Elks Lodge 1676. On Saturday, May 21, the Lodge hosted a Youth Boating Safety Class. More than 140 young people and 45 adults attended the three and one-half hour classroom session covering such topics as Equipment for Your Boat; Boating Safety; Your Highway Signs; Rules of the Nautical Road, Your Boat’s Radio; Handling Your Boat; and, Weather and Boating. Each participant received a certificate of completion for the course.

The American Diabetes Association kicked off its 2011 Walk with a breakfast for sponsors, prospective corporate teams and board members at the Intercontinental Hotel in Doral with remarks from several notables including Steve Kacznski, CEO of Navarro Discount Pharmacy and Chairman of the 2011 American Diabetes Association Walk. While the walk will be held November 5 at J.C. Bermudez Park in Doral, the Association has an event this very week: it’s “Father of the Year” Dinner on June 17 at the Ritz Carlton- South Beach. This year’s honorees include Thomas Cornish, President and CEO of Seitlin Insurance & Advisory; Juan Del Busto, Regional Executive, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; Mario Murgado, President & CEO, Brickell Motors; and Dr. Randolph Moise,, CEO of Comprehensive Health Center and Physician Access Urgent Care Group.

Already in the works for 2012, the

Kicking off 2011 American Diabetes Association Walk are (l-r) Chairman, Steve Kacznski, CEO of Navarro Discount Pharmacy; Roxana Sora of Seitlin Insurance & Advisory, Board Member; Todd Paton, CEO of Paton Marketing, “Father of the Year” event Board Member.

USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 65's Flotilla Commander Armando Framil shows off Auxiliary Facility Vessel, Daydream and explains the special equipment used by the Flotilla in responding to emergency situations on the water.

USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 65 members Dave Welch (left) and Dr. Dan Berger demonstrating line heaving techniques.

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American Heart Association’s 44th Annual Miami Heart & Stroke Ball will be held Saturday, March 10, 2012, from 6 p.m. to midnight, at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami. Co chairing the event will be Michele Chulick, Uhealth; Ian Pesses, George and Akerman Senterfitt; and Marla Bergmann, Bergmann Properties.

For further information, contact Marla Wilson, Development Director, Miami Heart Ball at 305-631-4752 or visit www.heart.org/miamiheartball.

The Coral Gables Museum has a limited number of full and partial scholarships for its “City Trekker Summer Camp,” thanks to a generous donation fromThe Batchelor Foundation. At least five children who

demonstrate both financial need and academic promise will receive a quality, educational experience this summer at the Museum.

City Trekker Summer Camp at the Coral Gables Museum offers 10 weeks of fun, educational activities for children ages 512, from June 13 through August 19, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. The camp explores the City of Coral Gables through a variety of disciplines, taking advantage of all cultural destinations and activities the city offers.

Until next time, keep making each day count.

If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via e-mail to gloriagalburns@aol.com.

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Open Letter . . .

Send ‘Letters’ to: <michael@communitynewspapers.com>

Letter sent to City Manager Dr. Hector Mirabile M r. Mirabile: As a concerned citizen and taxpayer of this city, and an avid reader of your city manager's reports, especially the first page of the May 26 report, outlining our financial status, I can't believe resolution 9 asking for a free handout providing the least amount of financial backup, only the expenditures of what they spent, and if that wasn't enough, they only provided copies of checks they wrote, where are the detailed description of purchases?

For example...

1) In the backup, Mr. Yaniz wrote a check to BJ Wholesale on November 29, 2010, for $782.65, so he put it on his Discover Card, where is the itemized receipt they provided at BJ's when he made that huge purchase? Please have Mr. Yaniz provide the itemized receipt for BJ Wholesale Foods.

As the CEO of Earth Learning, we know he should have the receipt and it should have been provided in the backup.

2) Kanopy Westminster Co for 4019, 54, where is the itemized receipt and where are all the other itemized receipts for checks written?

It was nice for Mr. Yanez to provide expenditures, but where are the income statements, i.e. since they opened 12/4/2010, the weekly status of the number of booths rented out each week, how much was charged, and how much collected? Where is that information including the bank deposits? Where is that money? Could Mr. Yaniz and Mr. Stoddard actually think that the dummies in this city would not ask for it? All I can see is the money expended from the $10,000 grant obtained by the hospital, where is the $50 and $75 he collects from vendors for booth rental? Not provided in the backup! Is this just another entity that our city might go into a business venture with, and the real numbers are not provided, once again? We don't want to hear that it is none of our business. Maybe in her world and the mayor's but this is not their city to run or bend the rules for Mario Yaniz or any other entity who wants services.

Unfortunately, the mayor has been told about this in the past by residents as well as fellow commissioners, and it doesn't phase him. Apparently he feels he is our city elder, per the Community Newspaper. Far from it, Mr. Phil!

Mr. Mirabile, months ago during a commission meeting, Vice Mayor Newman had directed you to obtain all the financials, and up to this day, you have not followed through. I asked Mr. Yaniz why he hadn't provided it to the city manager on Saturday and his comment was, “ He gave you the grant?” Please, I am so sick of the Mayor's special interest friends wanting handouts from taxpayers, especially since this whole Farmer's Market was a manipulation from the beginning, starting with the RFP and evaluation committee.

On another note, I visited the Farmer's Market this past Saturday, it is a major lawsuit waiting to happen. The inept preparation and flaws I witnessed were unbelievable.

To give you an idea of how Mr. Yaniz communicates and minces words, I asked him about the lawsuit by a resident for falling at the market, and his comment was, “It is not a lawsuit, it is in the hands of the insurance company.” My, oh my!

I spoke at length with Mr. Yaniz, he can't provide patrons, thus the vendors won't come and pay his prices. He said he is banking on the CRA people to come out. I told him to forget it. I spoke to a resident from the CRA this morning and his price for collard greens was ridiculous.

As CEO of our city, kindly get the information requested by the vice mayor and the information that should be provided in a resolution whose backup is totally manipulated.

Thanks, Sharon McCain

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Page 6

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June 14 - 20, 2011

Homeowners get ready for Gov. Scott’s insurance increase R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETH’S COMMENTARY Five years without a hurricane to hit Florida. Five years the insurance companies insuring Florida homes did not have to pay major hurricane damage claims. Five years for insurance companies to accumulate reserves in anticipation of the inevitable hurricane that will hit our state.

There must be joy in the insurance industry; profits should be up.

Wait! Then why did the Florida Legislature just pass and the governor sign into law Senate Bill 408? What did SB 408 contain that was pushed by insurance company lobbyists that will be needed in a time when insurance companies should be building reserves without a change in the insurance laws of Florida?

Let’s look at SB 408, signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott on May 17. Here are the major provisions: • Insurance companies can increase rates by up to 15 percent per year to cover the cost of reinsurance without prior approval.

• Insurance companies can limit sinkhole coverage to primary structures. Does this mean primary residences? If so, too bad, business property owners.

• Shorten the time permitted to file a windstorm or hurricane claim to three years from the current five years.

• Allows insurance companies to hold back replacement-value payments on home damage until after repairs have been made.

Where does the homeowner get the money to make the repairs?

In short this means property owners in Florida will be paying more for their insurance coverage. Not that we aren’t paying high premiums already. Many, many homeowners now pay more for insurance coverage and property taxes than they pay to reduce their mortgage balances.

What do the changes mean to the insurance industry? Insurance companies can lay off a greater portion of their potential claims to insurance companies that “reinsure” insurance companies against loss. The cost of the reinsurance grows as the percentage of claim liability is passed on to the reinsurance company.

In other words your insurance company sells you a policy that covers the cost of writing the coverage and then passes a large portion of the liability of a future claim to the reinsurance company. These charges have

VIEWPOINT grown exponentially in the past few years leaving the insured, you and me, with higher premiums less coverage.

I checked with an independent insurance adjuster the other day and learned what many a homeowner already knows, that sometimes it takes years for damage from a major storm to reveal itself. By shortening the time to file a claim insurance companies are limiting their liability for damages that would show up in years four and five after a major storm. That can mean big dollar savings to the insurance industry.

Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, one of the co-sponsors of SB 408 had better run for cover if another major hurricane hits Southwest Florida and a lot of his constituents as denied claim payments because of his bill. The Florida Chamber of Commerce praised the governor for passage of the new insurance law. They claim the law will stabilize Florida’s property insurance market, and that more insurance companies will want to move into Florida resulting in the eventual lowering of premiums that will benefit all property owners in Florida.

Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey,

fought the passage of the bill throughout the entire legislative process. He claims, “Big business has triumphed over the needs of the consumer. Insurance companies will only get richer because of the legislation, while policyholders will have to pay more of their hard-earned money for what will amount to less coverage.”

A long-term resolution to the problem is to require all insurance companies that operate in more than one or two states to put all their premiums into one pool and pay all claims from that same pool of money. After all, we don’t experience hurricanes in Florida and the Gulf coast, earthquakes in California, flooding in the middle of the county and blinding storms in the north every year.

The larger the number of policies put into one premium pool the less the chance of experiencing too high a number of claims in one particular year. Restricting a premium pool to just Florida, or say California, the better the chance of the insurance company going broke.

We appreciate your opinions on this column whether in agreement or disagreement. Please send your comments to (fax number) 305-6626980 or email to <letters@communitynewspapers.com>. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of this newspaper, its editors or publisher.

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Page 7

Letter of Instruction from Ethics Commission to Vice Mayor Valerie Newman The Miami Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust recently dismissed a “rude, boorish and tyrannical behavior” complaint against Vice Mayor Valerie Newman. The Letter of Instruction from the Ethics Commission admonishes her for bad behavior and states politicians are expected at all times to be “proper, honest, respectful and professional.” The two year old complaint was dropped due to a lack of resources.

The following is the complete Letter of Instruction issued to the Vice Mayor from The Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust:

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION ON ETHICS & PUBLIC TRUST LETTER OF INSTRUCTION To: F rom: Re: Date::

Commissioner Valerie Newman City of South Miami Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust Ethics Complaint C09-011 May 2011

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– On June 11, 2009, Ajibola Balogun, then Manager of the City of South Miami, filed the instant complaint against Commissioner Valerie Newman alleging multiple violations of the South Miami Code of Conduct.

On October 26, 2009, the Ethics Commission entered a finding of probable cause after holding a hearing.

Thereafter, the discovery process began, which included the taking of numerous depositions. As discovery progressed it became evident that there was insufficient evidence to proceed on the majority of the counts. Further, the South Miami Code of Conduct provided that only the City of South Miami Commission could assess a penalty (reprimand or censure) against Commissioner Newman. It was determined that proceeding further would not be a prudent use of COE resources and as such, would not serve the public interest.

Accordingly, as of April 28, 2011, all counts pending against Commissioner Newman, as part of the instant complaint, were dismissed with prejudice and this Letter of Instruction was ordered to be issued.

The history of this case is rather long and involved. The salient facts are as follows: • The South Miami Code of Conduct (Code of Conduct) was passed on June 12, 2007, City of South Miami Ordinance No. 21-07-1922.

• Valerie Newman was elected Commissioner of the City of South Miami on January 13, 2009.

• The probable cause memorandum charged Commissioner Newman with the following counts: 1) That she violated section (f)(2) of the Code of Conduct on January 30, 2009, when she allegedly threat-

ened AT&T with going to the Miami Herald in order to get them to take action regarding a communications box.

2) That she violated section (1)(5) of the Code of Conduct on February 10, 2009, when she allegedly directed Manager Balogun to issue a permit for AT&T to move the communications box.

3) That she violated section (1)(5) of the Code of Conduct on February 11, 2009, when she sent an e-mail stating that it would be insubordinate for a City employee and the Manager not to issue the permit.

4) That she violated section (1)(6) of the Code of Conduct on February 17, 2009, when she made an unannounced appearance at a police “roll call” when the meeting was not requested by staff.

5) That she violated section (1)(2)(E) of the Code of Conduct on February 17, 2009, when, while attending the “roll call,” she asked officers numerous questions without requesting the meeting through the Manager.

6) That she violated section (1)(2)(D) of the Code of Conduct on February 10 or 11, 2009, when she allegedly requested several documents from the then Human Resources Director and demanded to have them the same day.

7) That she violated section (1)(3) of the Code of Conduct on February 10 or 11, 2009, when she allegedly called the Human Resources Director demanding the documents and disrupting the staffer while she was performing her job functions, in order to have her individual needs met.

8) That she violated section (1)(2)(E) of the Code of Conduct on February 16, 2009, when she allegedly called a City staffer about meeting with her without going through the Manager.

9) That she violated section (1)(5) of the Code of Conduct on May 1, 2009, when she allegedly blamed a City staffer for an error and insisted someone be held responsible and terminated, thus becoming involved in administrative functions.

10) That she violated section (f)(2) of the Code of Conduct on May 1, 2009, when she allegedly threatened the Manager with evaluating him if he did not terminate the employee, thus using threatening and intimidating language.

• During the discovery process, it became evident that the credibility of many of the witnesses had become compromised.

• It was also determined that many of the sections of the Code of Conduct were vague, unclear and potentially at odds with the City’s Charter.

• On June 10, 2010, pursuant to City of South Miami Ordinance No. 15-10-2040, the Code of Conduct was repealed and therefore, is no longer in effect.

WHEREFORE, the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust hereby issues this Letter of Instruction: Even though the discovery process left the Advocate with no choice but to dismiss the instant complaint, the COE believes that a Letter of Instruction should be issued which focuses on the aspirational goals of the Code of Conduct and serves to emphasize that extraordinary caution should be exercised by elected officials in the way they act when representing the government entity of which they are a part; whether it be with employees of that entity or members of the general public. While the now repealed Code of Conduct may have been impractical to enforce, the spirit of civility and respect it sought to foster remains a worthwhile model of behavior.

Commissioner Newman was accused of threatening AT&T with negative publicity if they did not go along with her wishes. She was accused of ordering the Manager and high-level employees to do certain things although doing so was outside of her scope of powers. She was further accused of demanding to be treated differently than the general public. In short, Commissioner Newman was accused of bullying people inside and outside of City government in order to complete her personal agenda. Commissioner Newman must keep in mind that often actions, which may themselves be legal and ethical, are subject to misinterpretation when performed in an aggressive and threatening manner. Rude, boorish and tyrannical behavior by elected officials, while perhaps not actionable under an ethics code, is inexcusable nevertheless.

Commissioner Newman has maintained that she was simply trying to do her job in helping the City of South Miami and its constituents and that the Code of Conduct hindered her ability to do so efficiently. This is a poor excuse.

In our opinion, ethical behavior is not simply the doing of what is right but doing it the right way. In the realm of public governance, that generally means doing what is in the best interests of the citizenry in a civilized and professional manner – this should be a simple task. It would not be unreasonable, in our opinion, for the ordinary person learning of Commissioner Newman’s antics, to conclude that she behaved in an “unethical” and unprofessional manner.

Elected officials need to comport themselves with civility. It is unacceptable, in our opinion, for an elected official to behave in an elitist manner and to treat the citizens they represent discourteously. There should not have to be a Code of Conduct that spells that out for elected officials and the mere fact that such a Code of Conduct does not exist, should not imply to anyone that such reprehensible behavior will be tolerated.

We hope this Letter of Instruction impresses upon Commissioner Newman and all elected officials that they must be mindful that their behavior be at all times proper, honest, respectful and professional whether it is “legally” or “ethically” required by a particular Code of Conduct or otherwise. Commissioner Newman should take this Letter of Instruction to heart and govern herself accordingly.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust can be reached at 305-350-0631 or email Comm. Chair, Dawn Addy at addyd@fiu.edu.

Contact the City of South Miami at 305-663-6338 or email to info@southmiamifl.org.

Page 8

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June 14 - 20, 2011

Xavier Suarez sworn in as Miami-Dade Commissioner

Commissioner Xavier L. Suarez takes the Oath of Office, accompanied by his wife Rita and U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno.

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In front of a packed audience filled with elected officials, dignitaries, county directors, family and friends, Commissioner Xavier L. Suarez officially took his seat as the representative of Miami-Dade’s District 7.

The installation ceremony, hosted by chair Joe A. Martinez and the Miami-Dade County Commission, took place on Monday, June 6, at the Stephen P. Clark Center.

Harvey Ruvin, Miami-Dade’s Clerk of Courts, served as the emcee for the occasion, presenting the commissioner with a Certificate of Election after taking the oath

of office. Commissioner Suarez was sworn in by U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno.

Suarez noted that he will place priority on improving public transit and parks, advocate for more affordable housing, and work to lower property taxes.

Addressing his colleagues on the dais, Commissioner Suarez stated that the commission “could not desist from starting, right now, to improve the lives of our fellow citizens with the $7.5 billion entrusted to us.”

Martinez congratulated Suarez and presented him with a special commission pin.

For more information, contact Martinez’s office at 305-375-5511.

June 14 - 20, 2011

GUITAR,

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

from page 1 –––––––––

Quartet. Lippincott will play some of his own original compositions as well as jazz standards.

On Friday, June 17 at 8pm Yovianna Garcia Alvarado and Dr. William Yelverton will be sharing a classical guitar concert. Puerto Rican guitarist, Garcia Alvarado, holds a Masters of Music degree from The Hartt School of Music where she currently teaches. She is known for bringing Puerto Rican guitar music to concert halls and will showcase some of her own works at the concert. Featured in the second half, Dr. Yelverton, a prize winner of the Guitar Foundation of America International Competition, holds a doctorate in guitar performance from Florida State University. He is visiting Miami from Tennessee where he is a Professor of Music at Middle Tennessee State University. Yelverton will play a set of Spanish Dances as well as pieces by J.P. Rameau and three blues tunes.

On Saturday, June 18 at 4pm, The Miami Guitar Trio will play the final concert of the festival. This ensemble is comprised of three University of Miami graduates: Dr. Federico Bonacossa, Federico Musgrove, and Alan Nguyen. They have

FOX,

Page 9

from page 1 ––––––––––––––––

munication has been the key to her relationships with the Blue Mall merchants and patrons. And Fox always tells it like it is. “I have seen it all and I could write a book about life at the Blue Mall with no name,” she said. And oh, the stories she could tell.

She’s taught many parents an important lesson – never leave your children or pets in the car. “When they did, I would go into the store after them and announce that someone is trying to take their car with the kids in it,” she chuckled. “They were mortified. A little humiliation goes a long way.”

Fox has had celebrities ask her for directions or park in her lot, including Queen Latifah, Enrique Iglesias, Martin Short and local personalities like Lynn Martinez, Dwight Lauderdale, Tracey and Alonzo Mourning, Glenn Rice and more.

She’s helped apprehend thieves, thus living up to the wording on her familiar security T-shirt and cap she donned each day; except for the times she would wear the T-shirt given to her by friends that said, “Parking Bitch – I Tow.” “When I wore this shirt, people would honk and wave and even stop to take a picture,” Fox said.

Fox’s mother asked her why after all these years she hasn’t met a nice man in the Blue Mall parking lot. Fox’s response: “They’re all trying to run me over!”

Fox was born in Doctors Hospital on St. Patrick’s Day in 1954, and has celebrated every

Miami Guitar Trio

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– performed concerts throughout South Florida and were recently featured on NPR’s South Florida station in a live concert and interview. Their first CD is due for release in the fall of 2011. The first half of the concert will feature them as soloists; they will perform works by Dyens, Sor, Barrios, and J.S. Bach.

For tickets and information call 305284-2083 or visit Miami International Guitar Festival on Facebook.

birthday with a green cake. She attended Sunset Elementary, Ponce de Leon Middle School and Coral Gables High School. She worked at other familiar South Miami establishments, such as Little Finicky’s Diner and Sunset Drug Store, before becoming the parking attendant at Blue Mall in 1994. She lives in High Pines and rode her bike to work every day.

As Fox rests and recovers, she is grateful for all of the support from her friends – her guardian angels as she calls them – who have visited her, brought food, delivered flowers and taken her to lunch.

Owner of the Blue Mall, Andrew Hessen, has told Fox that her job will always be there for her. Fox is grateful to friend Jenny Trujillo from Eye Care Optical Center who sat with her for hours at the hospital. While recuperating at home, Pascal and friends from Le Royal French Bakery have brought her French bread and coffee and Virginia Guanchez and the crew from Mojito Grill have delivered lunch to her each day. Now, when you see Fox in SoMi, she is visiting the merchants and enjoying lunch with dear friends such as Rossina Vilasuso from Marisol’s Boutique.

“All of the support has brought tears to my eyes,” said Fox. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has reached out to me and helped me through this storm.

Because Fox has no medical insurance, merchants, patrons and friends have established a fund to help her with her medical bills. To make a donation, visit Mojito Grill at the Blue Mall or Turnberry Bank in South Miami.

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Page 10

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

Renowned watchmaker partners with Baptist Hospital Foundation

Pictured (l-r) are Francois-Henry Bennahmias, president and CEO of Audemars Piguet North America; Lourdes Jofre-Collett, Baptist Hospital Gold Anniversary Ball chair, and Bo Boulenger, CEO of Baptist Hospital.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY JOSE BOZA

Audemars Piguet North America Inc. recently celebrated the beginning of its five-year partnership with the Baptist Hospital Foundation, the philanthropic wing of Baptist Hospital of Miami, by unveiling 18 iconic Royal Oak clocks throughout the hospital. The clocks display time zones representing the diverse South Florida community that the hospital serves on a daily basis.

Sites included three clocks displaying three time zones in the Medical Arts Building entrance, five clocks with placards displaying five time zones in the Executive Health Office Waiting Area, and clocks in the Founders Society Concierge Room.

“We are delighted with the possibilities that this partnership offers,” said Stephen Parsons, CEO of Baptist Health South Florida Foundation. “The prestige and philanthropic spirit of Audemars Piguet is a wonderful complement to the Baptist Hospital mission of medical

excellence. As the Official Timekeeper of Baptist Hospital, Audemars Piguet will play an important role in helping us deliver outstanding quality and service to our patients and their families.”

Audemars Piguet is the world’s oldest watch manufacturer still in the hands of its founding families and has been an integral part of the South Florida retail and cultural community since opening its flagship boutique in Bal Harbour Shops in 2006.

Baptist Health is the area’s largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization. In addition to Baptist Outpatient Services, Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital in the Upper Keys and Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health.

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 11

Dave Westberry plans Team Florida reunion

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Former members of Team Florida/Post 43, a summer baseball travel team, will gather June 25 for a reunion and fundraiser.

“Let’s see if we can scrounge up some of the old guys and talk some baseball,” said Dave Westberry, team founder and coach.

After a reunion dinner, the cards will be brought out for a poker tournament that will help raise money for the team’s annual trek to the CABA High School World Series in Euclid, OH. They will try to raise $40,000 to $50,000 in order to take the 40 boys and coaches to the World Series.

Westberry is well known in the baseball community as someone who cares about the boys and is interested in helping them go to college.

“Baseball has been the love of my life,” he said. “We came back to Miami and in ’85 we started the travel team and we’ve been going ever since.”

Being on Team Florida is the opportunity some of the boys need to be noticed by colleges and pro scouts.

Westberry estimates five to eight boys each year are award college baseball scholarships.

This year, five players will head off to college on scholarships. Mike Cetta is going to The Citadel; Richard Amion, Bethune Cookman; Ryan Otero, University of Miami; Demitrious Moorer, Eastern Kentucky, and Oscar Gary, Florida International University.

Westberry’s former players hold him in great esteem. Sunset High coach Mandy Peleaz has coached

Coach Dave Westberry –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

with him in past summers and still sends players to Team Florida although he has his own summer travel baseball team.

“I’ve known him all my life, Peleaz said. “He coached me in American Legion baseball. Those two years playing with him, I couldn’t put it into words. I appreciate him and what he’s done for all the kids.”

In fact, Pelaez is trying to get Westberry’s number

retired at Southwest High in honor for what Westberry has done for baseball in this area.

“Just the effort he’s put into kids though leagues. He doesn’t do it for money. He does it for the love of the game,” Pelaez said. “He’s been very influential and not just in my life.”

Westberry also influenced Southridge coach Eddie Doskow’s life. Doskow continues to coach with him on Team Florida and goes to Ohio each year with the teams.

“He’s the type of coach that makes everyone feel wanted,” Doskow said. “He brings the best out in you.”

When Manny Fernandez played for Westberry, his parents became involved with the team and remain involved although Fernandez is now in his third year at West Point.

“He and my daughter both call him grandpa now,” said Tracey Fernandez, Manny’s mom. “My son, on senior day, when he was asked would you like to thank anyone special, my son said Dave Westberry.”

Ever since then, the Fernandez Family has been on board with Team Florida and this will be their seventh year going to Ohio. Manny meets them there and helps coach.

The Team Florida reunion is scheduled for June 25, 3 p.m., at the American Legion Post 43, 399 S. Krome Ave. in Homestead. After the reunion dinner, the team’s annual fundraising poker tournament will be held with a jackpot dependent on the number of players. In the past the jackpot has been $500.

For more information, go to the Facebook page for Team Florida Alumni, 1988-Present.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

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June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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June 14 - 20, 2011

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June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 17

Oye Cuban Grill adds new twist to traditional cuisine

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

There is a new Cuban restaurant in Pinecrest but it’s not your typical Cuban eatery. Oye Cuban Grill has opened in the Suniland Shopping Center where Offerdahl’s Café Grill used to be located.

“We offer recipes that are as traditional as could possibly be,” said Ian Gutierrez, one of partners. “We offer it in a different presentation, different ambiance. It’s more appealing toward an American lifestyle, which is on the go. We don’t want you to walk into this place and feel you are thrown back into Cuba. We serve good quality Cuban food.”

The menu includes ropa vieja, picadillo and picadillo sliders. Gutierrez said they take the picadillo and throw it between two buns and call it a Cuban Sloppy Joe. There is a guava barbecue pulled pork sandwich and the traditional steak sandwich, pan con bistec.

“We do a frita, we call it our burger,” he said. “We use more ground beef than chorizo. It’s 80/20 ground beef and chorizo.

Then we put black olives on it and grilled onion.”

The Oye Wrap is proving to be popular.

The wrap is made with churrasco, sautéed onions, mozzarella cheese, diced sweet plantains and cabbage served in a warm flour tortilla. It’s served with mojo dipping sauce.

Oye Cuban Grill is a quick serve restaurant, ala Panera or Chipotle.

“We have a system where you order over the counter, but we do refills at the table,” Ian Gutierrez said. “We can accommodate anything you want at the table. You just don’t place your order at the table.”

The menu is on chalkboards over the counter and menus are handed to customers when they walk in so they can peruse the offerings while waiting in line.

“Our strength is the quality of our

food,” said Hector Gutierrez, one of the four partners and Ian’s father. “The menu will get broader with the introduction of daily specials.”

The 3,061-square-foot restaurant boasts 99 seats, 40 of them outside in a recessed patio area that will soon have its own cooling system.

“We have to make sure those 40 seats are occupied,” Hector Gutierrez said.

On the weekends, they expect to do special events outdoors, including having a chef go out and cook paella.

The Pinecrest location is expected to be the first of many. The partners plan to franchise their concept and take it national. In fact, they initially planned to open the flagship restaurant in Washington, DC, but then the Pinecrest location came up and was a good enough deal that they postponed their DC plans in favor of opening their first restaurant in their hometown.

“I’m glad we started here,” Hector Gutierrez said. “We found a great architect who is mobile. The next go-round will be easier.”

The marketing plan includes going into local schools to introduce Oye Cuban Grill to teens. The future also calls for off-site catering and food delivery.

The partners are father and son team Hector and Ian Gutierrez, cousin Howard Rodriguez and Christopher Gutierrez, Hector’s younger son who is finishing college.

By the way, the word “Oye” was chosen as the name because it’s one of the most recognized words in Cuban vernacular. But it also stands for Organization of Young Entrepreneurs. Ian Gutierrez plans to help other young entrepreneurs in their own business ventures.

Oye Cuban Grill is located at 11327 S. Dixie Hwy. For more information, call 786249-4001or go online to <www.oyecubangrill.com>.

Hector and Ian Gutierrez are pictured at the new Oye Cuban Grill in the Suniland Shopping Center.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Dadeland Mall, Miami’s premier shopping destination with Florida’s largest Macy’s, continues to improve its retail mix by providing more great options for its loyal shopper base.

Hugo Boss, one of the leading international fashion and lifestyle groups, is now open at Dadeland Mall near the Saks Fifth Avenue corridor.

Hugo Boss offers a versatile range of products in men’s wear, women’s wear, kids wear, bedding, eyewear, watches and fragrances. The new store will carry Boss Black, Boss Orange and Boss Green men’s wear collections along with shoes, accessories and fragrance.

The new Hugo Boss store features a perfectly balanced combination of materials, including stained oak and high-gloss lacquered finishes, textile elements, diversified wall colors and expansive stone flooring. The concept is a sophisticated and modern shopping environment with a neutral color palette of white, stone grey, black, and beige, with the total space of 2,900 square feet.

Selected interior components, combined with an impactful design layout, provide the perfect backdrop to enhance

Hugo Boss offers a versatile range of products in men’s wear, women’s wear, kids wear, bedding, eyewear, watches and fragrances. the men’s accessories collection, featuring Napoli black chairs contrasted on a plush dark magnolia carpet. Other visual elements include dynamic and innovative themes borrowed from each collection. The combination of these elements creates a warm elegance and an atmosphere rich in complementary looks.

Dadeland Mall is located at 7535 N. Kendall Dr. between the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) and S. Dixie Highway (US1). For more information on Dadeland Mall, call 305-665-6226 or

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 19

Math Monkey offers big plans for kids’ summer

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Math Monkey of Pinecrest, a company that helps children conquer math, is offering a full complement of summer programs for kids in first through sixth grades.

“This summer I will have half and full day summer camps, eight weeks of that,” owner Elena Suarez said. “A child can do one week or they can do all eight.”

Suarez says each week they will focus on different math themes. The summer camp will include going to Dream Dinners where the kids will learn how to measure while assembling a dinner for their family.

“We did this last year and it’s great,” she said. “The parents loved it and the kids loved it.” In addition to the summer camps, Math Monkey will offer condensed versions of the enrichment classes offered year round. They also will offer Mental Math classes for adults and teens.

Math Monkey now is in its fourth year and has settled into its new location in the Pinecrest Town Center, 12659 S. Dixie Hwy. With the switch from the south side of the shopping center to the north side, the company gained additional space.

“It gave me the opportunity to expand my services,” Suarez said. “I think this side of the shopping center is busier.”

Math Monkey offers an enrichment program for elementary and middle school children. In a classroom setting, the children learn techniques not taught in schools that help them understand and conquer math. The lessons are done in a fun way so kids are willing to return each week.

When the company began, it was a franchise but is now on its own because the franchisor filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and went away. But by the time that happened, Math Monkey of

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Elena Suarez has expanded Math Monkey summer programs.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Pinecrest was already self-sufficient and, better yet, that meant no longer having to pay royalties to the parent company, allowing Suarez to reinvest those funds into the business.

When she moved into the new space, Suarez added a second classroom so she can offer two classes at the same time.

“I can also use it for tutoring,” she said.

“I have another room in the back that I use for tutoring.”

She also is able to reach out to older students who might need additional math help.

“My enrichment class goes to sixth grade but tutoring now goes to high school and college,” Suarez said. “Now

I’m two levels of tutoring.”

At the center, she has the math homework help and also has on-line tutoring now.

“It’s a tutoring service,” she said. “I’m a franchise. I pay them for the tutoring hours my clients use and my clients pay me.”

The online tutoring is a live session with a certified teacher on the other end. They communicate using Skype voice. There’s software that turns the computer into a white board.

“It’s like being in a classroom with a teacher,” Suarez said. “I have about 15 clients using it and they love it. It’s high quality tutoring for a very low price.”

The tutors are mostly in India but Suarez said they speak English very well. There also are teachers in other parts of the world.

The online tutoring is not limited to math.

She has clients using it to learn Spanish, French, science and reading. It also offers test prep.

For more information, call 305-971MATH (6284) or visit online at <www.mathmonkey.com/pinecrest>.

Page 20

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

Francesca’s Collections offers deals on latest fashion trends

Francesca’s Collections is located in The Falls Shopping Center.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY ROBERT HAMILTON

Looking for deals on the latest fashionable trends?

Look no further.

Francesca’s Collections, located at The Falls, is carrying this season’s chic and latest trends, and also is one of Miami’s best-kept secrets.

From nautical to flirty florals, Francesca’s carries an array of the hottest fashions strutting down the runways with a variety of styles for its customers to choose from at affordable prices.

However, the company does not limit itself strictly to apparel. Jewelry, shoes, candles, handbags, pictures frames, wall décor and gifts ranging from shot glasses to inspirational cards can be found throughout the store.

Opening its first boutique in Texas back in 1999, the privately held company has grown to over 200 stores throughout 38 states, including the South Florida area.

Since then, Francesca’s apparel has been featured in Glamour and Teen Vogue

magazines, and appeared on the Today Show.

With weekly specials and monthly promotions, Francesca’s can outfit even the most economical fashionista and wow her with its “frantabulos” prices!

Any time is the perfect time to discover your nearest Francesca’s Collections and, with Mother’s Day right around the corner, Francesca’s just might be your ideal one stop shop to find grandmothers, mothers, sisters and aunts “frantastic gifts” and even pick up a little something for yourself.

Can’t make it to one of the stores?

Francesca’s Collections has a website — francescascollections.com — where customers can shop the latest trends in the stores from the comfort of their homes.

For additional information on the Francesca’s Collections located at The Falls contact Adrianna Mendez, manager, or Rachel Johnson assistant manager.

Francesca’s Collections Store 121 is located in The Falls, 8888 SW 136 St. Suite 368; telephone 786-242-8056.

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Wear your flip-flops, receive a free smoothie on June 17

BY SHARON PHILLIPS

Tropical Smoothie Cafés are preparing to flip the switch on summer with the fifth annual National Flip Flop Day event that will give the first 500 customers who visit the restaurant on June 17 wearing flipflops, a free 24-ounce Jetty Punch (real fruit strawberry and banana) smoothie.

Area locations are: London Square, 13550 SW 120 St.; Downtown, 100 S. Biscayne Blvd.; Deerwood, 12161 SW 152 St., and FIU Campus, 11290 SW 13 St. Coinciding with the local event is a month-long fundraising effort that continues through June 26 and will raise funds to benefit children with life-threatening illnesses. The goal this year is to raise some $450,000 in donations and exceed the $1 million mark since its inception.

The goal across the 300-plus-unit franchise system is to send more than 200 families to Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Maine that provides respite, support, joy and hope to its visitors. Local families will be eligible to attend as a result. The money will be raised by selling paper flip-flops for $1 donation. One hundred percent of the donation will be going to the charity.

To try to send more families than ever before to Camp Sunshine, customers who donate $5 or more will receive a Flip- Flop Key Fob which is good for 10 percent off their purchases for the remainder of 2011.

The Sunrise Sunset Smoothie is on sale for $3.99 during this period and a portion of the proceeds from the sales also goes to the Camp Sunshine campaign.

“Tropical Smoothie Café’s National Flip-Flop Day is an exciting event that brings together the local community in a fun and fashionable way,” said Greg Marcotte, area developer, South Florida, of Tropical Smoothie Café in Fort

Page 21

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Lawn and Garden Dangers Summer is the season for gardens and green lawns, but keep in mind that some garden products may pose a health danger to your dog or cat.

Most common garden dangers: • Herbicides: Pet paws are often irritated by walking on lawns treated by chemicals such as herbicides (weedkillers). Pets often ingest lawn chemicals by licking their paws after coming in contact with treated surfaces. Keep your pet off treated lawns and wipe their paws if lawn treatment is active.

• Pesticides: Most pest baits contain poisonous ingredients used to kill vermin that can be ingested by your pet and cause harm. Make

sure your pet does not have access to pest baits.

• Poisonous Plants: A number of plants can be poisonous and deadly to pets. Plants like lily of the valley, oleander, rhododendron, azalea, yew and foxglove among others. Keep your pets away from them or remove the plants from their areas.

• Toxic Mushrooms: All types of mushroom can grow in your grass. To avoid the risk of your pet ingesting toxic ones, its best to remove them all.

It can be a lot of fun for your pet to play in the lawn, but always be careful. Remember, if you think your pet has ingested poison, go to a vet immediately.

Whiskers: A Cat's GPS System Lauderdale. “We look forward to seeing people out and about in their flip-flops feeling good and enjoying the summer fun with Tropical Smoothie Café.”

To find out how you can help a family, send email to Greg Marcotte direct at <gtsmooth1e@aol.com>. Additionally, cell phone savvy consumers can text their donation to CAMP at 20222 to donate $10.

That charge will be made directly to their monthly phone bill.

This is the fifth consecutive year Tropical Smoothie Café is partnering with Camp Sunshine for its National Flip-Flop Day celebration. The funds send families on a weeklong retreat where they can escape from the stress of their everyday lives.

Located in Casco, ME, along Sebago Lake, Camp Sunshine offers recreational, medical and counseling services at no cost to individuals and their families. Since 1984, Camp Sunshine has helped more than 16,000 families from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds better cope and manage the child’s illness. It’s a great way to help families in need in our local community.

In addition to the week at Camp Sunshine, funds raised during National Flip-Flop Day support travel costs and the camp’s capital improvements.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

Team with UM sports legends while Fishing the Florida Keys

BY LEE STEPHENS

The inaugural University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Dolphin Tournament will take place on June 24 and 25 in Key Largo. It’s an opportunity to join some favorite Miami Hurricanes legends and fish the crystal waters of the Florida Keys.

The weekend begins with the Captain’s Meeting and cocktail reception on Friday, June 24, 6 p.m., at UM Sports Hall of Fame member Gary Dunn’s Ocean View Inn & Sports Pub, Mile Marker 84.5 in Islamorada.

The fishing will take place beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, with lines out at 4 p.m. and weigh in by 5 p.m. at Coconut’s at the Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina in Key Largo (MM 100). The awards dinner and silent auction will take place at Coconut’s from 7 to 9 p.m.

Cash prizes will be awarded for heaviest

dolphin, along with a “bucket of bucks.”

Anglers can register by going online to <www.UMSportsHallofFame.com>; sending email to <UMSportsHallFame@aol.com>, or by calling John Routh at the Hall of Fame, 305-284-2775. Entry fees are $425 per boat (up to four anglers). Each additional angler is $75.

Hotel reservations can be made by calling the Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina at 305-451-4107.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the UM Sports Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a sole purpose to recognize those student-athletes coaches and administrators who have excelled in their sports and brought acclaim to the university through their accomplishments and championships. All donations help showcase their achievements for Hurricanes fans to enjoy for generations to come.

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 23

Jackson Health System honors its nurses with special awards

BY ROBERT HAMILTON

Thirty-eight nurses were honored with Nurse of the Year awards during a recent public celebration at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

As part of National Nurse Week activities, a licensed practical nurse, an advanced practice nurse, a registered nurse and a rookie nurse from each of Jackson Health System’s patient care centers, specialty areas, satellite centers and hospitals were selected by their colleagues as the nurses who have contributed the most to quality care throughout the system.

The nurses received their awards from Carlos A. Migoya, president and CEO of Jackson Health System, and Leah S. Kinnard, EdD, RN, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer.

Six nurses were the recipients of the Clinical Excellence Award that is presented annually to the nurse who best exemplifies selfless dedication, compassion and nursing pride system-wide throughout the years.

Clinical Excellence Award winners were Guillermo Barquero, RN, BS, Ambulatory Care Center; Dawn Allen, RN, Holtz Children’s Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Women’s Hospital Center; Rocio Mariel Simunovic, RN, BSN, MHA, Jackson Memorial Hospital; Marie Jean Louis, RN, Jackson North Medical Center; Dolce Ortaliz, RN, BSN, Jackson South Community Hospital, and Marie Joseph, RN, BSN, Jackson Mental Health Hospital.

To qualify for the Nurse of the Year awards, nurses must have been employed for at least three years of continual service; for the “rookie” category, it can be one year or less. The nurses must demonstrate excellence in their job performance, proven by a consistent, above-average evaluation.

There can be no record of counseling or

2011 Clinical Excellence Award winners: Marie Jean Louis, RN, Jackson North Medical Center; Dawn Allen, RN, Holtz Children’s Hospital and Jackson’s Women’s Hospital Center; Dolce Ortaliz, RN, BSN, Jackson South Community Hospital; Marie Joseph, RN, BSN, Jackson’s Mental Health Hospital; Rocio Mariel Simunovic, RN, BSN, MHA, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Guillermo Barquero, RN, BS, Ambulatory Care Center, pose for a picture flanked on the left by Leah S. Kinnard, EdD, RN, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer, and former Public Health Trust board members Stephen Nuell, Esq. and Georgena Ford, RN, and on the right by Ted Shaw, chief transitional officer; former Public Health Trust board members Joaquin del Cueto and Robin Reiter-Faragalli.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

disciplinary action in their personnel files within the past three years, and they have to demonstrate fulfillment of Jackson Health System Standards of Excellence. There also must be evidence of well-rounded professional activities that consolidate the nurses as role models.

Honorees for the Nurse of the Year awards were: Ambulatory Care Center — Guillermo A. Barquero, RN, BS, and Marie Theodat, LPN. Cardiovascular Services — Marie Gelin, RN. Community-Based Primary Care Centers

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— Jackie Master, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC; Maureen Allen-Barnes, LPN, and Deborah C. Rushing, RN, BSN. Corrections Health Services — Gerry Francois, LPN, and Lorena Carrasco, RN. Education and Development — Bensita Joseph, RN, BSN. Emergency Care & Trauma Services — Douglas Houghton, MSN, ARNP, ACNPC, CORN, and Gelena Dimaano, RN. Holtz Children’s Hospital — Nicole Thompson-Bowie, ARNP, NNP, PNP; Angela L. Jones, LPN, and Dawn Allen, RN. Jackson Memorial Long Term Care

Center — Marcell Nicholas, LPN, and Bernadette Jeanniton, RN. Jackson Memorial Perdue Medical Center — Elizabeth Maybee, LPN, and Leonila Liddell, RN. Jackson North Medical Center — Barbara Seay, LPN, and Marie Jean Louis, RN. Jackson South Community Hospital — Carina A. Ryder, ARNP; Maria E. Fernandez, LPN, and Dolce Ortaliz, RN. Medical-Surgical Hospital Center — Philip Dlugasch, ARNP; Jean Jecrois, LPN, and Olive Lewis, RN. Jackson Mental Health Hospital — Marie Joseph, RN, BSN. Ortho-Rehab-Neuroscience Hospital Center — Myrna Lee-Keow, ARNP, MSN, FNP-BC; Marietta Gervais, LPN, and Rocio Mariel Simunovic, RN, BSN, MHA. Perioperative Services — Nichole Crenshaw, ARNP; Anne-Marie Fernandez, RN, BSN, and Jacqueline Buigas, RN. Specialty Areas — Maribel Valmocina, ARNP, and Maria Luisa Rodriguez, RN. Women’s Hospital Center — Nancy E. Griffis, ARNP; Denise Lamothe, LPN, and Ozaida Astapan, RN. Jackson Health System, an integrated healthcare delivery system, consists of its centerpiece, Jackson Memorial Hospital, five primary care centers, five specialty care centers, 16 school-based clinics, two long-term care nursing facilities, a network of mental health facilities, Holtz Children’s Hospital, Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital, Jackson Mental Health Hospital, Jackson North Medical Center and Jackson South Community Hospital.

Governed by the Public Health Trust, a dedicated team of citizen volunteers acting on behalf of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, Jackson Health System ensures that all residents of Miami-Dade County receive a single high standard of care regardless of their ability to pay.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

TotalBank adding banking centers and renovating existing locations

BY MELISA CHANTRES

TotalBank, a leading consumer and commercial bank in South Florida, recently announced the addition of four new Banking Centers and the renovation and relocation of several branches.

The new banking center locations will be South Beach, Pinecrest, Coral Gables and Red Sunset.

“Investing locally by opening additional banking centers and expanding, relocating and remodeling current locations is an integral part of our strategic growth plan,” said Jorge Rossell, chairman and CEO of TotalBank. “Coupled with the strong support of our parent company, Banco Popular Español (BPE), TotalBank can say with confidence we are here to stay.”

President and chief marketing officer Luis de la Aguilera added, “TotalBank values our community and is in the distinctive position of providing the capital resources necessary to facilitate both residential and commercial needs. Continuing to invest in the community affirms that here is where we want to be.”

Scheduled to open this summer, the South

Beach Banking Center, located at 1125 Fifth St., will be TotalBank’s first location in the city of Miami Beach.

The Pinecrest Banking Center will be a freestanding building located at 10205 S. Dixie Hwy. and is scheduled to open this winter.

The Coral Gables Banking Center, conveniently located on the ground floor of the new luxury office tower at 2020 Ponce de Leon in Downtown Coral Gables, is expected to open this summer.

The Red Sunset Banking Center will be located at the intersection of Red Road and Sunset Drive (across from the historic Crossroads building) in South Miami, at 6939 Red Rd. It is scheduled to open this summer.

In January, TotalBank celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated Brickell Banking Center, located at 800 Brickell Ave., with a private event and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The four banking center renovations will include Airport, Coral Way, Medley and Quail Roost.

More information can be found online at <www.totalbank.com>.

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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June 14 - 20, 2011

Pageant winners compete, promote the environment

Vanessa Gonzalez –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY SANDRA SILVA

A new Miss Earth Miami and Miss Teen Earth Miami queens were crowned recently during a two-hour ceremony in front of an audience of over 120 people at the Downtown Miami Hilton Hotel. Ladies between the ages of 14 and 26 competed for the title that will take the winners to represent the city at the state finals of Miss Earth Florida 2011 in June.

Vanessa Gonzalez is now Miss Earth

April Camacho –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Janeta Jackson –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Alejandra Montoya –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Miami 2011. The 24-year-old aspiring attorney was victorious after a full day of activities including a private interview with a panel of judges, swimsuit competition, evening gown parade and a set of environmental and leadership on stage questions.

The Teen winner was April Camacho, an 18-year-old Miami native, who also overcame every challenge and ended up with the highest overall scores.

Both Gonzalez and Camacho will

advance to state finals, all expenses paid, for a chance to become the Florida queens traveling to the national finals of Miss Earth.

Also crowned were Miss Earth Dade County Janeta Jackson and Miss Teen Earth Dade County Alejandra Montoya. They too will advance to the state competitions.

Miss Earth is one of the largest pageants on the planet with more than 80 countries competing in the world finals each year, and the only one dedicated 100 percent to environmental and humanitarian efforts.

Besides the typical glamorous events they attend, each Earth queen must create, develop and implement a project for 12 months in her community with the ultimate goal of contributing and educating the public as well as acquiring leadership and humanitarian skills.

The Miss Earth Florida finals are scheduled for June 26, 8-10 p.m., in Miami at the Hyatt Regency Ashe Auditorium.

For more information visit online at <www.MissEarthFlorida.com>.

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 27

Redland’s Fruit and Spice Park a paradise within our paradise

BY LYNDA BELL

County Commissioner This spring, the events and activities at the Fruit and Spice Park in the Redland entertained, enthralled and enticed the senses, as more than 18,000 people enjoyed three of its signature events: the 22nd annual Asian Culture Festival (March); second annual Blues, Brews & Barbecue (April), and the annual Redland International Orchid Show (May), the largest orchid show in the continental United States.

And, while spring will soon give way to summer, the fun at Fruit and Spice Park only will continue with a variety of fun and tasty events and activities the whole family can enjoy.

Fruit and Spice Park was designed by the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department to provide visitors with a truly excellent environment as the park is home to the flora and fauna native to many regions throughout the world. A true tropical paradise surrounded by thousands of acres of tropical agriculture, the park has been a showcase for South Florida’s agriculture community for the past 67 years.

Boasting more than 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices and nuts from around the globe, this 40-acre oasis is the only public botanical garden of its kind in the United States. Now, that’s something to be proud of!

The new garden, part of the park’s redevelopment plan after Hurricane Andrew devastated the grounds in 1992, has been divided into ethnic theme areas which include — Tropical America, Tropical Asia, Tropical Africa, Australia,

The annual Asian Culture Festival in March is one of the highlight events at the Fruit and Spice Park.

the Pacific and the Mediterranean. Visitors can stroll through herb and vegetable gardens and walk in shady banana groves as well as participate in the park’s many classes, meetings, workshops and even exciting excursions designed to educate visitors on horticulture techniques year-round.

Agriculture professionals always are on hand to provide expert advice on gardening with fruits, vegetables and spices, as well as to assist the visitor in finding plants and give information on proper care and harvesting.

If all this exploring makes you hungry, the “Mango Café” offers visitors a relaxing respite where you can sample fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps and refreshing fruit smoothies — all in a laid-back, quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

But, before you go home, you can “take” a piece of the park with you by visiting the park store. Located adjacent to the parking lot, the park store offers dried and canned fruits, delicious jams and jellies, fruit juices, aromatic teas as well as a wide selection of cookbooks, gardening and reference books on tropical fruits and vegetables and even specialized horticultural supplies.

The Fruit and Spice Park truly is a “paradise within paradise” and a treasure to all the residents of our South Florida community. I encourage all of you to visit this wonderful place and spend the day surrounded by all the wonders that nature has to offer. The Fruit and Spice Park is located at 24801 SW 187 Ave. in Homestead.

For more information on operating hours, guided tours and even park rental, you can contact the park’s friendly and knowledgeable staff at 305-247-5727 or you can visit the website at <www.fruitandspicepark.org>.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

Manage your Financial Condition like a Business Summer Enrichment Program: June 13 - July 21, 2011 Every child learns in a unique way, and Killian Oaks Academy is designed to enhance each student’s learning style. Our Mastery Learning Program offers: • • • • •

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Most working people are employees and they think like employees when it comes to their financial condition. This means their focus is on salary, health insurance, 401k and vacation time. Yes, these benefits do impact your financial condition but it is one-sided. It is on the side of what you have (assets).

We suggest that in order to attain financial independence, employees should begin to think and behave as a business owner. A business owner’s focus is not only on what they have but more importantly, what they owe (liabilities). This means accounts payable, which for individuals are items such as credit cards, car loans and mortgages.On this side of the balance sheet, the business owner wants to minimize expenses.

What you have (assets) minus what you owe (liabilities) results in what’s left over (net worth). $1 of assets and $1 of liabilities means $0 in net worth. $1 less in liabilities means you are $1 richer.

Many employees with more salary will spend more, so they still have little net worth or financial independence.

The car and house they own may be fancier but they may still be broke.

Thebook,TheMillionaireNextDoor,describes how a business owner thinks and behaves.It is no secret how to become financially secure. It comes down to not thinking and behaving like an employee when it comes to your financial future.

Tonkinson Financial provides hands-on money management for the middle class. They are located at: 2 3 9 8 S o u t h D i x i e H w y. , M i a m i , FL 33133. Phone: 305-858-1628 Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, Rick Tonkinson, Margarita Tonkinson, Steven Tonkinson, Registered Representatives Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., Rick Tonkinson, Margarita Tonkinson, Steven Tonkinson, Investment Advisor Representatives Tonkinson Financial and the Securities America companies are not affiliated.

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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June 14 - 20, 2011

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June 14 - 20, 2011

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June 14 - 20, 2011

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Page 35

Is A Short Sale Right for You? mortgage, and your lender willingly accepts the proceeds from the sale as payment in full,” says Perdigon. “No lien is filed against you, the sale is reflected on your credit report for only 12 to 18 months, and in some cases the lender will even contribute up to $30,000 to cover your relocation expenses.”

Before making such an important decision, though, seek professional advice. Perdigon Title Services has special expertise in handling short sales, and its attorney partner can guide you through all aspects of what can be a complex transaction.

“We’ve successfully handled hundreds of short sale transactions over the past few years,” says Perdigon.

“We’ll work closely with you, your realtor and your lender to ensure the quickest and best possible outcome for all.”

BY PETER B. LAIRD

Recent data indicates that by the end of 2010 nearly half of all property owners in Miami-Dade County owed more on their homes than the properties were worth. That’s 245,530 underwater homes just in Miami-Dade. Statewide, the number jumps to 2.1 million.

Do you owe more than your home is worth? Is a major illness, accident, job loss or divorce preventing you from making your monthly mortgage payments?

Are you tired of paying for an investment property that has lost its value?

You do have options, according to Robert Perdigon, president of Miamibased Perdigon Title Services, a fullservice title company founded in 2002.

“In an ideal world, the best strategy is to continue paying your mortgage, wait for the market to correct, let your property appreciate and sell your house when the value has returned,” advises Perdigon. “However, we do not live in an ideal world and property owners need to know their options.”

A foreclosure should be avoided at all

Wings

Robert Perdigon (left), president, and Scott Perdigon, attorney partner at Perdigon Title Services, 9100 S. Dadeland Blvd., PH1 / Suite #1701, Miami.

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costs, Perdigon says. Not only will you lose your home, you could also be forced to pay what you owe on your mortgage plus additional fees. Worse still, it will be reflected on your credit report for three to five years.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Not All Assisted Living Communities Are Created Equal

BY HELEN SHAHAM Q. I recently read a series of news articles about the abuse occurring in Florida’s Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs). My husband and I were considering moving my mother to an ALF but this news coverage has us concerned if this in truly the best decision. How do we regain our confidence in an ALF’s ability to provide care and support for mom?

A. Seniors and families—as well as the vast majority of assisted living community operators—were horrified to read about the neglect taking place. Not only should concerned citizens be outraged but they should also use this information as an opportunity to thoroughly research an assisted living community before placement of a family member.

As with all businesses, there a few bad apples. It is important to understand that the neglectful and criminal practices the articles described have occurred in relatively few and isolated instances. Most examples cited referenced smaller ALFs. Many of these homes lack the staffing, financing, infrastructure and ancillary support to provide the necessary environment for seniors to thrive. Many ALFs emphasize resident safety, care and well-being as an integral part of their services and place tremendous emphasis on staff training, supervision and oversight.

Assisted Living Communities play a vital role in today’s society.

They offer an excellent option for seniors and their families. Assisted Living Communities are places where seniors can lead a vibrant lifestyle, age with dignity and comfort and be surrounded by a team who is genuinely committed to their safety and wellbeing. Because of trained care geared to the needs of seniors, often these are safer environments than living at home.

It’s important to recognize the senior living industry cannot be painted with a broad brush. Each community has its own spirit and personality. It’s no different that choosing a college. Some prefer the excitement of a larger campus while others prefer the intimacy of a smaller college.

To ensure you’re selecting a community that best suits your mother’s needs and provides peace of mind, it’s important to do your homework. At The Palace Senior Living Communities, we encourage families to visit an assisted living community more than once.

Visit at different times (i.e. morning, afternoon, etc) to observe if residents look engaged and happy; how the staff interacts with residents; and if there are stimulating events and activities underway. Go for a meal and observe the residents and staff.

In addition to talking with the sales or

marketing department, we suggest meeting the community’s executive director. Does he/she seem genuinely interested in your concerns?

Speak with several residents as well. They are typically the best indicators of a well run community. Residents will share a community’s strengths and weaknesses better than anyone. For the most part, residents should enjoy living at there and welcome the opportunity to talk to you.

If the community’s staff is comfortable with you having this private conversation with a resident, it is an indication they have the utmost confidence in the community’s ability to deliver the highest quality of care and service.

Be sure to check if a community is in compliance with state and local licensing requirements. You make also want to call the Better Business Bureau or conduct a Google search.

You’ll be surprised at the wealth of information that’s available to assist you in the decision making process.

Checking if the community has third-party accreditations—by independent organizations—is also invaluable. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC) are just two examples of the accreditations a community may hold.

These accreditations ensure providers meet nationally and internationally recognized standards.

We understand the reservations you and your husband are having about selecting an assisted living community for your mother. I urge you to judge each community on its own merit. Take the necessary time to research, research and research again. Not all assisted living communities are created equal.

If you have questions about the lifestyle changes that go with aging, or if you’d like to be invited to a social event at The Palace Suites, please send a note to Helen Shaham, The Palace Suites, 11377 S.W. 84th St., Miami, Florida 33173, call her at 305-2707020, or email helen@thepalace.org.

Helen Shaham and her husband, Jacob, have been operating Senior Living Communities for the past 30 years. The Palace Suites in Kendall is a luxury Independent Living Community for active seniors. In addition, The Palace at Kendall campus is home to two Assisted Living Residences and a Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. They also operate The Palace Gardens Assisted Living Community in Homestead, Homestead Manor Nursing Home and The Palace @ Home, a Medicare Certified Home Health Agency. Their two newest projects are The Palace at Weston – Luxury Living for Those 55 and Over and The Palace TelAviv, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Israel. These days, they are developing a new magnificent community – The Palace at Coral Gables – on 16 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, Florida. More information can be obtained by calling 305-271-2220 or by visiting The Palace website at www.ThePalace.org.

June 14 - 20, 2011

Landlord-tenant law subject of ‘Lunch N’ Learn’ seminar

BY ALEJANDRA CASTRO NUÑEZ

The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department (CSD) and the Dade County Bar Association County Court Committee are hosting a seminar on landlord-tenant law on Thursday, June 23, from noon to 2 p.m., at Florida International University’s College of Law, 11200 SW Eighth St. Sabadell United Bank, formerly known as Mellon United National Bank, also is a sponsor of the event.

The seminar is designed to educate landlords, property managers, tenants and lawyers about the nuts and bolts of a lease and the procedures involved in an eviction process. Handout materials will be provided. Presenters Carolina Lombardi and Jeffrey Hearne of Legal Services of Greater Miami Inc., private attorney Michael Birnholz, and Consumer Advocate Leonard

Elias will provide an overview of the landlord-tenant law to help landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities.

“The Lunch N’ Learn seminar will provide food for thought,” said Elias of the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department. “During this unstable economic period, we’re finding that many landlords and renters have questions about their duties and obligations involving foreclosure and other issues. We hope to provide people with the answers to put them at ease.”

The event is open and free to the public.

Lawyers who wish to attend must register through the Dade County Bar Association in order to receive two continuing legal education credits.

If you plan to attend, please call 305375-3677 to RSVP. Arrive by 11:30 a.m. to register.

www.communitynewspapers.com

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

NWSA college graduates to visit Venice and Berlin

Twenty New World School of the Arts (BFA 2011) grads will embark soon on a two-week journey through Europe.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY MARIA M. FLORES

Twenty visual artists who recently graduated from the college program at New World School of the Arts (BFA 2011) will embark soon on a two-week journey through Europe to explore new avenues by which to express their art.

Spearheaded by Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the students will be accompanied by the NWSA dean of visual arts, Maggy Cuesta, and faculty member Fred Snitzer.

The group of students will have the invaluable experience of attending the Venice Biennale in Italy and travel later to Berlin. In both cities the students will have the opportunity to visit museums, galleries, artists’ studios and private collections.

“This is the second year of this travel program. Last year our senior class visited Berlin,” Cuesta said. “These international trips enhance the perspectives of our art students and encourage them to establish a dialogue with international artists and museum curators.

“These experiences will inevitably change their lives. This is the best way to create awareness of the role that art plays in the growth and development of different societies,” Cuesta added. “When they return to our city, many will bring with them new ideas and perhaps innovative techniques; they will all return reinvigorat-

ed, inspired, and eager to make a difference in our community.”

The NWSA group will travel to Italy on June 17. They will stay six days in Venice visiting historical sites like the Palazzo Ducale in Piazza San Marco, La Fenice Opera House and Gallerie del’ Accademia.

The students also will have the opportunity to visit the world recognized Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Francois Pinault Collection.

An important highlight in the Venice trip will be a visit to the 54th Venice Biennale housed in the historical Pavilions of the Giardini, in the Arsenale and other locations around the city.

Arriving in Berlin the evening of June 23, the NWSA group will spend a week visiting historical museums and sites in the area of Mitte. They also will visit the prominent Boros Art Collection and Hoffmann Art Collection.

Like last year, the Berlin galleries, Contemporary Fine Arts and Peres Projects will welcome the students to their spaces and will have a private studio visit with artist Jonathan Meese. Other generous supporters that made this initiative possible are Diane and Robert Moss, Braman Family Foundation, Carole and Fred Guest, and American Express.

More information about this program is available at 305-237-3620 or online at <www.nwsa.mdc.edu>.

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FREE SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING SEMINAR Wednesday, June 15th at 8:30 am The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Economic Development Council have partnered to elaborate on financing options for new and established businesses.

SBA lenders, Community Bank, Total Bank, and 1st National of South Miami will also be present to answer questions and assist borrowers.

This event is free of charge, but reservations are required.

RSVP to Vanessa@edcsouthdade.com Location 900 Perrine Avenue, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 www.EDCSouthDade.com

305-378-9470

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June 14 - 20, 2011

Give dad the unexpected gift this Father’s Day The’s practical, athletic, fashionable or unconventional, The Palms at Town & Country has the perfect gift for dads this Father’s Day, June 19.

Take the remote control from dad and set him on a cruise controlled road trip down the coast. Rent a Chrysler Sebring convertible from Avis Rent a Car. With one touch of a button, dad can zoom down the highway in style and leave his worries in the dust. And, if dad likes weekend getaways, give him a piece of Tommy Bahamas luggage currently on sale at Nordstrom Rack. He’ll always carry you with him.

A little taste of Cuba: Spice up dad’s special day by treating him to an internationally flavorful meal fused with Spanish, African and Caribbean foods available at Casavana Cuban Cuisinee. Delicioso!

Rustle dad to a bison burger meal at CG Burgers. It’s no bull! CG Burgers, having the best and healthi-

est burgers in town, allows dad to enjoy his choice of a wide selection of burgers. Serving the finest of all natural prime beef burgers, they also provide patties that are hormone and antibiotic-free including chicken and turkey burgers. Other healthy offerings include a salad bar and hand-cut russet potatoes fried in all natural trans-fat free canola oil.

Toss the idea of giving dad the traditional tie for Father’s Day. Instead, give him something he wouldn’t expect to receive like a watch, a manicure set or athletic apparel from Loehman’s Men’s Boutique; a gift card to Men’s Warehouse; or a metal tool box complete with tools or a baseball team photo frames from Kirkland’s Home.

To find the best gift for dad this Father’s Day, checkout The Palms at Town & Country at www.ThePalmsShops.com.

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Gulliver teacher Christina Manrique named ‘Environmental Role Model’

BY ROBERT HAMILTON

earned two special merit awards and five first-place awards in the Fairchild Challenge.

Manrique started the architecture program at Christina Manrique, founder of the architectural program at Gulliver Schools, has Gulliver in 1978, creating the school’s curricubeen named Fairchild Challenge Teacher lum for a five-year course track in architectural design, industrial design and Environmental Role Model of urban planning. For her work at the Year.

Gulliver, the school has been recManrique received the award ognized by Miami-Dade County for her influence over the past for 20 consecutive years for its decade while mentoring stuoutstanding architectural prodents and teachers about the gram and technology education. importance of protecting the Manrique has been an adjunct environment through urban professor in the architecture proplanning. Each year she led and gram at Miami Dade College. advised Gulliver students parHer experience includes practicticipating in the Fairchild ing architecture and civil engiChallenge’s environmental neering with the City of Coral design competition, spending Christina Manrique Gables and H.J. Ross and time with them outside the regu–––––––––––––––– Associates. lar school day.

The Fairchild Challenge celebrated the suc“It’s the joy of watching these students come alive as they see the value of the envi- cesses of thousands of high school students ronment and understanding how important and teachers from more than 50 middle and they are in taking care of it; that makes it high schools in Miami-Dade, Broward and worth every minute of every day spent with Palm Beach counties during its annual award ceremony on May 19 at Fairchild Tropical them,” Manrique said.

During the past 10 years, her students Botanical Garden.

Page 39

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

Palmetto High pitcher Cetta signs to play for The Citadel

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Michael Cetta, a pitcher from Palmetto High School, has signed a national Letter of Intent with The Citadel.

The Palmetto star started his high school baseball career at Archbishop Carroll High School where he played for his dad, Tom Cetta, but then switched to Palmetto after his freshman year.

Cetta had a good senior season in a year Palmetto was not able to go into the playoffs.

“I had three wins. I had a lot of strikeouts,” he said.

Despite not being in the playoffs, Cetta was named to the state All Star Team that played May 27-29. Only four Miami players were named to the team.

“I’m really proud of Mike; he’s worked hard,” said Michael’s dad, Tom. “He made the FACA State All Star Team which is real prestigious.”

At that event, he could catch the eye of all the major league scouts and general managers that attended. But Cetta already had caught the interest of numerous college scouts. He was recruited by the University of Miami, St. Johns, Manhattan College, the University of North Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Appalachian

State, Ohio State and several more.

“I’ve been waiting a long time,” Cetta said. “The thing I really liked [about The Citadel] was the military aspect. My grandpa was in the military. I’d like to join the military if it wasn’t for baseball.”

He also liked the camaraderie of the team.

“They do everything together,” he said.

“They won their conference last year.”

Cetta said if he goes up there and does well, he’s expected to become a starter right away.

Another factor in his decision was the desire to go to college away from home.

“It would be nice to stay home, but I wanted the college experience and go away,” he said.

When he goes to The Citadel, Cetta plans to major in criminal justice.

“I want to go into government law enforcement — the FBI, DEA, CIA, any of those agencies.”

There is a possibility Cetta could be drafted to play professional baseball. If he does get drafted out of high school, he has the option of signing a contract and going to the minors immediately or declining a contract and going on to college.

“It depends on money,” he said. “I could make the decision up until the day before I

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If he opts for college, he will have to wait until the end of his junior year before being drafted again. But, unless the money is extraordinary, Cetta’s looking to go to college.

“A lot of people don’t make it. That’s why you have to get your degree first,” he said. “I want to get my degree.”

Tom Cetta said it takes more than playing

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high school baseball to get noticed by recruiters. Players are showcased playing travel ball and the recruiters listen to the travel team coaches.

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June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

South Miami Heart Center donates AEDs to Christ Fellowship Church

Page 41

Celebrate Dad on his special day by giving him the gear ! that’s all about the

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5831 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, FL - 33146 Pictured (l-r) are South Miami Heart Center vice president Carol Biggs; cardiologist John Dylewski, MD; Chet England from Christ Fellowship Church; South Miami Hospital’s director of Respiratory Services Mikki Thompson, and Herbert Greene, MD, Christ Fellowship Church of Palmetto Bay and Baptist Health South Florida Board of Trustees member.

(Photo by Liliana Mora) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY BETHANY RUNDELL

South Miami Heart Center recently donated the four automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs, to Christ Fellowship Church as part of its sudden cardiac arrest public awareness program that has placed nearly 530 of the lifesaving machines in schools, churches and non-profit organizations throughout Miami-Dade County and

the Caribbean.

Christ Fellowship Church will use the AEDs at four of its campuses to ensure the safety of the congregants during worship services and church activities.

Sudden cardiac arrest happens when a malfunction of the heart’s electrical system causes the heart to stop beating.

Automatic external defibrillators shock the heart back into rhythm and potentially save lives.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

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June 14 - 20, 2011

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Page 43

Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club offers free night, gas discount

BY KAREN LAMONICA Florida residents, take note. If you are interested in taking a getaway this summer, you should check out the appealing special offer for Florida residents that the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club recently announced.

The Southwest Florida resort, which features an incredible Gulf-front setting overlooking pristine white sand beaches and is just blocks from Naples’ famous shopping districts, is offering a fuel discount, as well as the third night free, to Florida residents this summer.

Available June 1 to Sept. 30, with a minimum three-night stay, the offer includes the third night free, plus a fuel discount that will be determined by your Florida county of residence. The fuel discount ranges from $10 to residents of counties closest to the resort, to $25 for Southeast Florida residents, to $35 for residents of Central Florida, and $50 for residents of North Florida.

The fuel discount will be applied to the guest bill against charges made at the resort during the stay, such as at the resort’s worldclass spa, popular beachfront restaurant HB’s on the Gulf, bars, award-winning Mary C. Watkins Tennis Center, retail shops, or for recreational rentals on the beach. The fuel discount may not be applied to room or tax, and it is a one-time credit to the guest folio per stay.

A valid Florida driver’s license is required for each room upon check-in, and the offer is based on availability. It is not available on holiday weekends or during SummerJazz on the Gulf weekends. Additional blackout dates may apply.

For reservations, or for more information about the offer or to check the fuel discount that would apply for your county of residence, call 1-800-237-7600 or 239-2612222, and ask for the “Florida Resident Fuel Discount Special.” The promotion may not be combined with any other offer, and the offer is not applicable to groups. The fuel discount is not itemized through online reservations however is available upon check-in.

N E W S Want even more reason to visit? The resort completed a $22 million renovation in 2010, which included the renovation of guest rooms and suites, and the addition of a new $5 million beachfront pool complex. Newly remodeled accommodations now feature cool tropical color linens, fabrics and carpeting; flat-panel televisions; patio or balcony; coffee maker, and refrigerator.

The new beachfront pool complex features: two new pools, two whirlpools, a pool bar with food service, restrooms, and locker facilities, as well as a pool/recreational shop.

Picturesque tall palms encircle the complex, which is further complemented by direct beach access.

Additional offerings at the resort include 1,000 feet of pristine white sand beach, a complete fitness center, six tennis courts, the professionally supervised Beach Klub 4 Kids child activity program for children ages 5-12 (complimentary from 9 a.m. to noon; lunch and afternoon activities available for an additional charge), an Orchid House, 34,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, many beautiful outdoor venues, and four great restaurants.

Add to this its ideal location just blocks from Naples’ renowned shopping districts of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, and it is easy to see why it is such a popular vacation destination.

“Summer is a great time to visit Naples for a relaxing getaway,” said Jason Parsons, general manager of the family-owned resort. “It is just beautiful here. So whether you wish to relax on the beach, lounge by our two beautiful new pools, visit The Spa, or shop at Naples’ famous shopping dis-

The Center for Research and Educa on on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) is conduc ng a research study involving the use of a Personalized Reminder Informa on and Social Management (PRISM) system designed to support social connec vity, memory, knowledge about topics and resources, and resources access for older adults. This Center is part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. If you speak English, live alone, and don’t have a computer at home, you might qualify for this project. If you are interested in being part of this research study, please call (305) 355-9200 and men on the “PRISM Study”. You will be paid for your me and effort.

Picturesque tall palms encircle the pool complex, which is further complemented by direct beach access.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– tricts, you just can’t beat the offerings or Naples’ outstanding museums, theaters, and incredible setting of The Naples Beach art galleries.

Hotel & Golf Club. This special offer for Providing a comfortable, friendly Florida residents simply provides even atmosphere with impeccable service and more incentive to take that getaway.” first-class amenities, the Naples Beach Guests can experience the area by taking Hotel & Golf Club is an exceptional tropitours of the Everglades, Caribbean Gardens, cal getaway. The resort is located at 851 Corkscrew Swamp, Botanical Gardens, or Gulf Shore Blvd. North in Naples. Contact Conservancy Nature Center. In addition, boat the resort at 1-800-237-7600 or 1-239and fishing trips can be arranged at the hotel. 261-2222, or visit online at Other leisure time activities can include <www.NaplesBeachHotel.com>.

Page 44

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

Miami Heart Gallery exhibit now open at Coral Gables Museum

BY SANDRA CAMACHO

The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery, a traveling museum-quality photography exhibit featuring children in Miami-Dade’s foster care system who are available for adoption, is celebrating its fourth annual exhibit re-launch at the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave., now through July 29. Hours are MondayFriday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Professional photographs capture the unique personality of each of the 19 children featured in this year’s exhibit. The portraits were taken by award-winning photographers, who donated their time and talent, in locations throughout Coral Gables such as The Biltmore Hotel.

The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery is a partnership between The Children’s Trust and Our Kids of MiamiDade/Monroe Inc., the local lead agency for child welfare in Miami and the Keys.

According to the State of Florida, there are 800 children in Florida who are available

for adoption. These children have been removed from their biological parents for reasons of neglect or abuse with no possibility of family reunification.

Approximately half of the 155 children who have been featured in The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery in the past three years either have been adopted or are in the process of being adopted.

There is no museum admission fee, but a donation will be requested at the door.

The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery is complemented by a comprehensive website, <www.miamiheartgallery.org>, which highlights the portraits and a video of each child; as well as a video of the making of the Miami Heart Gallery.

For more information about adoption, call The Children’s Trust Helpline at 2-1-1 or visit online at <www.miamiheartgallery.org>.

The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.

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June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 45

2012 Mazda5 has design, functionality, performance Ron Beasley LET’S TALK CARS The 2012 Mazda5 is a great family vehicle that fits well in an active lifestyle setting. It also handles well and gets good fuel economy.

Launched as a 2006 model, the Mazda5 has a stylish design with sliding rear doors, a unique combination of flexible seat arrangements and a high level of safety.

The new Mazda5 incorporates Mazda’s Nagare “flow” design language inspired by “the beauty of nature and the forces of wind and water.” Mazda previously has featured Nagare design only on concept cars and this marks the first time it has been used in a production vehicle.

The “flow” begins at the front grille and passes smoothly over the headlights, hood and fenders, then continues over the sides of the body, rear combination lights and tailgate in a continuous stream. The mesh pattern five-point grille shares the Mazda

family face and the hood is higher than the previous generation.

Riding on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, the Mazda5 is roomy and comfortable, yet surprisingly compact. The long wheelbase allows for excellent passenger space and the short front and rear overhangs enable better handling and parking ease. Despite the long wheelbase, it is very agile, turning a circle in just 36.7 feet, and it has a low drag coefficient of 0.30 for aerodynamic efficiency.

Manually operated sliding rear side doors continue as a feature of the new Mazda5.

The doors can be operated with one finger and they hug the sides of the vehicle when open to create a wide opening for easy entry and exit to the rear seats, even for third row passengers.

The Nagare design language continues into the vehicle’s interior, from the lines above the dials and along the instrument panel to the stitch pattern in the seats and the design of the seat fabric. The instrument panel flows from the cockpit to the center panel and on to the passenger-side dashboard in a rippling effect. The cockpit is stylishly designed and sporty, with twin deep-set gauges, chrome plating, silvertrimmed control knobs and genuine leather

Manually operated sliding rear side doors continue on the new Mazda5.

wrapping the steering wheel and gearshift knob.

The interior is very flexible and can be configured for two, three, four, five or six passengers. The second row has separate captain’s chairs that slide and recline and can be folded flat without removing the headrests. They also have a one-touch lever that automatically tips the seatback forward and slides the cushion to its front-most position to allow access to the third row.

Changes continue under the skin, too, as the new Mazda5 is powered by a 2.5-liter

MZR I4 engine, (the same engine in the Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-7) and it can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.

The MZR I4 engine is standard in all three models — Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Pricing starts at $19,195.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext.

261, or by addressing email correspondence to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.

Page 46

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 14 - 20, 2011

You do everything for everyone, you even take the dog to the vet.

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Digital Mammogram normally $300 - Now self pay $100. Bone density, EKG, Ultrasound, X-ray available too.

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Please join us for our

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As always, you'll find quality merchandise at great prices.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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June 14 - 20, 2011

June 14 - 20, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

CARLOS GIMENEZ FOR MAYOR After his spectacular showing at the polls taxpayer funded Marlin’s stadium. “More on May 24th with less than a third of his jobs and a better return would have been opponent’s campaign funds, Community generated with fewer funds, had we invested Newspapers managed to catch up with for- in improving our convention center,” stated mer Commissioner Carlos Gimenez. The former Commissioner Gimenez. five percent difference has certainly caught Asked what his priorities would be if the attention of the Hialeah “game elected Mayor, the former Commissioner machines” or “maquinitas” owners, PBA, was not hesitant in responding, “We need to developers and other special interest groups streamline county government and reduce supporting his opponent. And with good rea- the number of departments. We also need to son is his political opposition greatly con- keep our word in order to restore confidence cerned, given Gimenez’s stellar track record in government. For example, if the voters of consistently being the voted for a half cent tax voice of reason on the to go to transportation, Miami-Dade County we need to make sure Commission. For the 57 that this promise is kept. year old former firefightAnother issue that I will er, life on the County change is the current culCommission since his ture of ineptness and election in 2004 has been scandals. With regards to all about putting out fires. the proposed changes to Given his minority status the county charter, the on a commission best Commissioner felt known for their self servstrongly in favor of two ing history, Gimenez has four year term limits for tried time and again to commissioners and extinguish the flames of added, “We also need to public discontent. One modify the petition prime example was his process so that it does minority position on the take a billionaire to procommission’s infamous pose common sense tax increase which includchanges”.

CARLOS GIMENEZ ed unrealistic salary Having a Bachelors increases.

Degree in Public Had Gimenez prevailed, the spark that Administration along with completing the ignited the fire of taxpayer outrage would Harvard Program for Senior Executive in not have developed into a recall saving the State and Local Government, Carlos county millions of dollars, as well as, the Gimenez has the distinction of having been time and grief of countless citizens. Another Miami city Manager from 2000 to 2003. fire that Gimenez tried to put out was the During his tenure as Manager the city of construction of the Marlin’s stadium at the Miami enjoyed a 140 million dollar surplus expense and sweat of the taxpayers. while increasing the city’s bond rating from Gimenez, who voted against the contro- junk to investment grade. versial proposal, had demanded that the Community Newspapers endorses Carlos Marlins open up their books and provide Gimenez as he embodies all the qualities of transparency. His request unfortunately fell an ideal public servant, and we wish him on deaf ears as the commission sided with success in his bid to be the next Mayor of his opponent, which spoke out in favor of the Miami-Dade County.

Page 53

Economic Development Council and SCORE Offer Classes for Business Owners and Start-Ups

By Dr. Patricia Fulton, EDC Board Member

You have just started a new business or you’re thinking about starting one. Your budget has no room for hiring a consultant who can answer all the start-up questions that come to you every day.

There’s good news for you. SCORE, a national non-profit group, offers you 13,000 mentors in 500 industries to answer those questions---at no cost! In Miami-Dade County, the Economic Development Council is partnering with SCORE to present offer the seminars in South Dade.

If you’re wondering what kind of success record SCORE offers you, here are some amazing figures from 2010: • Started 58,637 businesses • Created 71,449 jobs • Mentored 590,550 aspiring and existing businesses • 91% of the businesses started in 2010 were still existing in 2011 • 47.4% of SCORE clients were women • 46.3% of SCORE clients were minorities • 11.9% of SCORE clients were veterans At its web site, www.score.org, you can find a wealth of resources. How-to articles, templates, checklists, guides and workbooks offer you up-to-date information for your new or existing business. If you’re interested in a particular topic, the SCORE web site covers accounting and budgeting, government contracting, business planning, cash flow management, human resources, management, sales, techno logy and computers, and international trade.

When you contact SCORE and request a mentor (an experienced business person) to work with you, that service is free. If you decide that you and your assigned mentor aren’t making a good match, you can ask SCORE to find someone else for you.

SCORE mentors maintain confidentiality in their work with you; your personal business details will not be gossiped all over town.

If you need expertise that is not available locally, SCORE will seek out what you need from other parts of the U.S. And again, it’s all free to you.

The first QuickSTART Series, which is taught by SCORE instructors, is well underway, but other workshops will be offered over the summer months. These include sessions on Business Basics, Business Concepts, Marketing Plan, Social Media, Financial Projections and Funding Sources. The EDC office is at 900 Perrine Avenue, Palmetto Bay. For more information, call Paul or Vanessa at 305-3780-9470.

You can also visit the EDC web site at www.EDCSouthDade.com for details about the summer business sessions.

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REDUCED PRICE! Great opportunity in Pinecrest! 4 bdrm/3 bath, set in lush Devonwood community. New impact windows, large living spaces, split bdrm plan.

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June 14 - 20, 2011

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Apply now to receive the new Military Deployment Property Tax Exemption

BY PATRICK SMIKLE

Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia is notifying service members and former service members that his office will accept applications for the new Military Deployment Property Tax Exemption up to Sept. 19.

The new exemption, which stems from a constitutional amendment Florida voters overwhelmingly approved in November 2010, grants an additional homestead exemption to military personnel who are deployed overseas. It benefits service members and former service members of the following branches of the uniformed services: Military, Military Reserves, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserves and Florida National Guard.

For the 2011 tax year, eligible service members must have been deployed during 2010 for one or more of the following operations: Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn (Iraq) or Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

The additional exemption applies to all taxing authorities such as the county, school board, and cities.

The Military Deployment Exemption amount will be based on the number of days the service member was deployed in the previous year. For example, a service member who was deployed for six months during 2010 would get an additional 50 percent exemption for 2011.

The application may be filed on behalf of an eligible service member by his or her spouse (if the homestead property is jointly owned), by a person who has been formally designated by the service member to take actions on his or her behalf, or by the personal representative of the service member’s estate.

Garcia noted that the timing of the deadline places a hardship on persons who may wish to apply for this exemption, hence is decision to accept late applications up to Sept. 19. Starting in 2012 and in subsequent years, the deadline is Mar. 1.

Urinary Tract Infections

BY SONIA MARTINEZ, RPH Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) occur more often in women than men; and sexually active, pregnant and menopausal women are at increased risk. Except for the urethra (the tube leading from the bladder to the outside of the body), the urinary tract is normally sterile. If bacteria such as E. Coli enter this sterile area, an infection may occur. Symptoms of UTI include a sudden urge to urinate; difficulty urinating; burning, cramps or pain with urination; blood in the urine or cloudy, strong-smelling urine; mental confusion/deterioration and abdominal pain. When a UTI involves the kidneys and/or ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), patients may experience pain in the back and side, chills, fever, and nausea/vomiting. Senior adults may not experience the typical symptoms but instead may have general abdominal discomfort and deterioration in the ability to think, reason, and understand. UTI usually responds promptly to treatment with antibiotics. It is also helpful to drink plenty of water; avoid the use of alcohol, caffeine, citrus juices or highly spicy foods; and use a heating pad on back or lower abdomen to relieve discomfort. To minimize UTI, it is helpful to drink at least seven 8 oz. glasses of fluids every day, empty bladder often and completely, and avoid use of feminine products such as deodorant spray, douches, and powders that may irritate the urethra.

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Marco Drugs and Compounding will provide you with compounded medications prepared with the highest standards and with high quality bulk materials, traditional prescriptions and high grade nutraceuticals, supplements and multiviatimins.

We provide to you health information in a clean, comfortable, fun and safe environment. Make us your doorway to total health.

Marco Drugs & Compounding is located at 6627 South Dixie Highway, Tel: 305-665-4411 • Fax: 305-663-3258 Email:marcodrugs@bellsouth.net <www.marcodrugs.com> This article is intended to provide information on health-related matters. The ideas expressed cannot be used to diagnose or treat individual health problems and should not be taken as medical advice or instruction.

Page 63

Students get scholarships from Salute to Education

BY LEE STEPHENS

Salute to Education Inc., a scholarship program created and funded by the South Florida Ford and Lincoln dealers and Ford Motor Company, has awarded $1,000 scholarships and laptop computers to 70 high school seniors in Miami-Dade County.

Each student applied in one of four main categories in which he/she qualified. The categories are Athletics, Arts (Language Arts/Foreign Language and Performing/ Visual Arts), Leadership/Service, and Sciences (Mathematics/Computer Science and Natural Science). A Scholarship Committee comprised of community, civic and educational leaders then judged the applications and selected winners from Miami-Dade County. Along with the scholarship check, each of the scholarship winners also received a new laptop computer.

There also were 70 winners chosen from Broward County.

“We recognize the tremendous potential in the students within the South Florida community and we are committed to helping them pursue their dreams of a higher education,” said Victor Benitez, president of Salute to Education and vice president of Gus Machado Ford.

“With the consistent rise in college tuition, students have come to rely on scholarships like ours to help fund their schooling,” Benitez added. “Although we live in challenging economic times, the South Florida Ford and Lincoln dealers are still committed to continuing granting scholarships and assisting high school seniors in South Florida with their educational goals.”

The scholarship winners were recognized during the 17th annual Salute to Education Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Saturday, June 11, at the Graham Center Ballroom at Florida International University.

Salute to Education Inc., established in 1994, is a non-profit organization funded through dealership contributions and corporate support from Ford Division, Lincoln Division, Ford Credit and Ford Customer Service Division. In addition, the program receives support from a Scholarship Committee composed of Ford and Lincoln dealers and business, educational and civic leaders. Community volunteer participa-

tion has been an integral part of the campaign’s success.

Salute to Education is one of the largest private scholarship programs in South Florida and has awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 deserving public and private high school seniors in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Following are the names of the area Salute to Education Scholarship winners separated by school and the category in which they won the scholarship: Coral Reef High — Raquel Laing, Athletics; Kelly Wells, Arts: Performing Arts and Visual Arts.

G. Holmes Braddock High — Jessica Caceres, Arts: Foreign Language and Language Arts; Anais Rodriguez, Arts: Performing Arts and Visual Arts.

Homestead High — Natasha Mathurin, Leadership/Service.

John A. Ferguson High — Geisy Sanz Maspons, Leadership/Service; Miguel Sotolongo, Sciences: Mathematics/ Computer Science.

MAST Academy — Laura Herrera, Sciences: Natural Science; Ryan Leibowitz, Leadership/Service.

Miami Palmetto High — Kelly Hsu, Leadership/Service; Alexandra MaddenBeatley, Arts: Performing Arts and Visual Arts.

Miami Southridge High — Miguel Amezcua, Sciences: Natural Science.

Miami Sunset High — Maria Barrios, Arts: Foreign Language and Language Arts; Jenniffer Guerrero, Leadership/ Service; Yingxin He, Sciences: Mathematics/Computer Science; Rachel Taylor Sciences: Natural Science.

New World School of the A rts — Luna Goldberg, Arts: Performing Arts and Visual Arts.

South Dade High — Laura Tarancon, Arts: Foreign Language and Language Arts.

South Miami High — Amy Diaz, Leadership/Service; Diana Martinez, Sciences: Mathematics/Computer Science; Jackeline Zelaya, Arts: Performing Arts and Visual Arts.

Southwest Miami High — Andres Casas, Sciences: Mathematics/Computer Science; Liana Guerra, Leadership/ Service; Yelena Orrelly, Arts: Foreign Language and Language Arts.

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