Miami Today: Week of Thursday, January 29, 2015 by Miami Today

WEEK OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

A Singular Voice in an Evolving City

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HEALTH UPDATE

Jackson team reviews spending plan above $100 million, pg. 13 FP&L SELLS RIVER LAND: Ytech International, a Miami-based development and real estate investment firm, and Carlos Mattos, an investor/developer, paid Florida Power & Light $21 million for 2.24 acres just north of the Miami River and east of Southeast Second Avenue. Asked where FP&L will re-locate its equipment on the site and how long it will take, a spokesman could not provide information Tuesday evening. The land, in Miami’s central business district, is almost a full city block with entitlements to build 2.15 million square feet, according to Colliers International spokespeople. Brokers Larry Stockton of Colliers International and Michael Fay, Jay Ziv and Xavier Cossard of Avison Young teamed up on the transaction. Mr. Stockton, who was not available Tuesday evening, said in a written release the property was essentially an off-market transaction. Colliers spokespeople report Ytech International, led by Yamal Yidios Char, has redeveloped more than 3,000 multi-family units in South Florida and currently owns a $300 million real estate portfolio in Florida and Texas; and Mr. Mattos has assembled a number of high-profile Miami properties. The two Colombian investors are partnering for the first time.

GE’s CT scanner at forefront in broad clinical range, pg. 15

THE ACHIEVER

BY JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS

ALL ABOARD: Plans for a nearly 7-acre train station to rise downtown got final administrative approval last week. All Aboard Florida, a subsidiary of Coral Gables-based Florida East Coast Industries, plans passenger rail to link Orlando and Miami with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Downtown Miami’s stop, known as Miami Central, is to stretch along Northeast First Avenue near County Hall and is to feature a viaduct through which trains will enter the station. The county commission approved the station’s overall look months ago. But All Aboard Florida still faced administrative scrutiny from county and City of Miami staffers on details of the site plan – from what materials are to be used for the viaduct to where to build an overpass connecting the station to nearby developments. On Thursday, the staff committee gave final approval to the site plan. Service linking Miami and West Palm Beach is expected to start in 2016. BOTTOM PRICE: The City of Miami is renewing its lease of submerged lands near Monty’s, on the waterfront in Coconut Grove. The city owns the uplands at 2550 S Bayshore Drive. The state leases the submerged lands adjacent to the city-owned uplands. Commissioners authorized the city manager to renew the lease of the bottomlands for 10 years at $2,487.17 a year, subject to annual increases according to the Florida Administrative Code and a $619 state lease processing fee.

Photo by Marlene Quaroni

Carlos Fausto Miranda

Pushing Little Havana business improvement district The profile is on Page 4

Marlins, county to arbitrate final ballpark costs BY LIDIA DINKOVA

The Miami Marlins have given the county their final expense claims for building the baseball team’s Little Havana home – after three full seasons in the stadium. The Marlins say $110.9 million should be counted toward their share of the stadium’s total construction cost, said Jose Galan, director of the Real Estate Development Division at the county’s Internal Services Department. But the county’s auditors say that part of that amount doesn’t qualify as stadium spending and shouldn’t be counted as part of the Marlins’ share of construction. Specifically, the auditors are disputing 3.8%, or $4.2 million, from the $110.9 million the Marlins say should be counted. The heavily scrutinized deal to finance the building of a baseball stadium with features such as a retractable roof is a tri-party agreement among the City of Miami, MiamiDade County and the Miami Marlins. About $519.5 million was budgeted for the stadium, with the city responsible for $13.5 million, the county for $341.3 million

AGENDA

Wynwood hotel OK’d to check in

and the Marlins for about $126.2 million. That’s excluding the issuance of $35 million in additional bonds as well as about $4.5 million designated for making the stadium a ‘green’ structure built and operated according to environmentally sustainable standards set by the US Green Building Council, a private non-profit organization that advocates for sustainability in building. Also not included are interest payments on county-issued stadium bonds that will cost about $2.4 billion in all to repay. At the close of the final bid package, about $504 million from the budgeted $519.5 million was spent on stadium-related costs. The remaining $15 million falls within the Marlins’ share of the cost. Since the final bid package has closed, that remaining $15 million is to go into a triparty reserve account that is to later fund stadium capital improvements, such as fixing the retractable roof. In addition, any expenses the Marlins have claimed but the county successfully disputes in the future are to also go into that capital improvements account. So far the county disputes $4.2 million

from the expenses the Marlins say should be counted toward their share of the cost. Among these disputed costs: About $207,300 the Marlins paid to Levy Restaurants, a Chicago-based company that serves food at Marlins Park. About $221,400 in expenses the Marlins list for retail technology experts. About $92,500 the Marlins paid to The Parker Co., a Miami-based company for global hospitality procurement and consulting. About $386,700 the Marlins paid to Atlas Sign Industries, a West Palm Beachbased sign manufacturing, design and installation company. About $36,380 in legal fees the Marlins paid to law firm Holland & Knight. Aside from the $4.2 million the county is contesting, the Marlins have already agreed to remove from their claim $812,000 the team previously listed as part of its construction costs. As for the $4.2 million the county’s auditors are contesting, that issue is to be resolved in arbitration. Mr. Galan said arbitration hasn’t yet been scheduled.

New York developer Sonny Bazbaz wants to build a hotel in Wynwood. Miami’s Urban Development Review Board last week recommended approval of his mixed-use project at 2110 N Miami Ave. His attorney, Iris Escarra, told the board it will be a “gateway” to the booming Wynwood Arts District. A rezoning and alley closure last year allow this “signature” project to rise, she said. A 3-to-2 board vote recommended approval, with Neil Hall and Anthony Tzamtzis against. The project is to have 163 studio and 1-bedroom apartments, 79 hotel rooms, 12,407 square feet of retail and parking for 315 cars in an L-shape building of eight and 12 stories. Both interior and exterior are described as industrial, made of concrete, untreated wood and exposed infrastructure. Said architect Jonathan Cardello of design firm ADD Inc., now with Stantec, “It’s industrial in nature. Clean and simple.” “I am not feeling it – at all,” said Mr. Hall. Wynwood has become unique, he said, and “I’m not sure you reinforce [that] with sameness.” Wynwood generates excitement because street art has made a hip space from old warehouses, he said, calling the project’s design “stark.” Mr. Tzamtzis agreed, noting “this is a very special area of the city, it’s an artistic neighborhood.” Renderings show greenery wrapping the first floor. Mr. Cardello said the trellis will create a canopy and shade, with plants attached to wire and screen in front of the retail, making the building as green as possible at the ground level. Mr. Bazbaz said they looked at Wynwood’s “sea of 25-foot-high concrete boxes” and designed the green curtains as a buffer for pedestrians. “I will remain skeptical,” said board member Gerald C. Marston. “It will require a high degree of maintenance to keep it growing.”

BIG-BOX BAYVIEW MARKET SITE FETCHES $64 MILLION ...

MIAMI’S GLOBAL TRADE SEEN ON THE ROAD TO GAINS ...

MONESTIME REVAMPS COUNTY’S COMMITTEE SYSTEM ...

LOCAL FIRMS TAP MIDDLE EAST AT ARAB HEALTH 2015 ...

VIEWPOINT: A SPATE OF UNHERALDED ACHIEVEMENTS ...

OBAMACARE COULD END PRIMARY CARE SHORTAGES ...

836 EXPRESS BUS SERVICE NOW DUE TO START IN 2019 ...

INDUSTRIAL MARKET IS AMONG NATION’S STRONGEST ...

MIAMI TODAY

TODAY’S NEWS

THE INSIDER BAN ON FRACKING: A bill filed in the Florida Senate calls for a ban in the state on hydraulic fracturing, a process whereby a mix of water and chemicals is pumped at high pressure underground to extract natural gas. Florida, unlike states in the Northeast, has been mostly free from hydraulic fracturing, also referred to as fracking. In 2014, the drilling permit of a company discovered to be using high-pressure injections beneath the ground to extract oil in Collier County was revoked. Last week, the Miami-Dade County Commission passed a resolution supporting the Senate bill seeking to ban fracking in Florida. According to the county’s measure, fracking could contaminate a state drinking supply, the Floridan Aquifer. The legislature convenes March 3. $25K IN COUNTY INCENTIVES: The Miami-Dade County Commission voted last week to give a global outdoor furniture manufacturing company $25,200 over six years as an incentive to set up the firm’s international headquarters in the county. The money is to come from the county’s general fund, according to the legislation. The company, which isn’t named in county records, wants to set up its headquarters in Northeast Miami-Dade, where it already has a facility. The Beacon Council, a public-private organization charged with the county’s economic development, applied on behalf of the company for state and local incentives. The company wants a total of $126,000 over six years. The county is contributing 20%, and the state 80%. Miami-Dade would provide the funds only after the state determined that the company had created the promised 21 full-time jobs. LET FREEDOM RING: The Department of State’s Media Hub of the Americas is now using the National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College for interviews, meetings and other official business. According to college spokespeople, hosting discussions in the historic and symbolic facility will reinforce the country’s commitment to freedom and democracy. The Freedom Tower, often referred to as the Ellis Island of the South, is at 600 Biscayne Boulevard on the Wolfson campus of Miami Dade College. Originally completed in 1925 as the headquarters and printing facility for The Miami Daily News, which vacated the space in 1957, the federal government used the facility to process, document and provide medical care for refu- Freedom Tower gees arriving from Cuba in the 1960s. After the major era of refugees ended, the government sold the building to private buyers in 1974. In 1979, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. TAKING OFF: Miami International Airport set a passenger traffic record in 2014 with 40.9 million passengers, up nearly 400,000 from 2013 and the fifth consecutive record-breaking year. The airport also set a record for cargo with 2.2 million tons of goods moving through, up 55,000 tons from 2013. Eight international destinations were added last year. TAM Airlines added service to Belém and Fortaleza, Brazil, while hub carrier American Airlines launched service to Campinas, Brazil, and CapHaïtien, Haiti. European carrier Jetairfly launched scheduled service to Brussels, and Lufthansa and Finnair added seasonal service to Munich and Helsinki, respectively. Qatar Airways entered the market with scheduled service to Doha, Florida’s only direct connection to the Middle East.

WEEK OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Eye-opening to see UM’s lure, says presidential search committee head B Y CATHERINE L ACKNER

With only three full months of the 2014-15 academic year left, the search for a new University of Miami president presses on. Donna E. Shalala, who has presided over the school since 2001, announced in October she would leave at the conclusion of this term. Though few details have been released, a position profile was posted on the university’s search website Dec.11. “It is a lot harder than I imagined to put on paper all the attributes and experiences we would like to see in our next president,” wrote Richard Fain, search committee chair and vice chair of the university’s board of trustees. The position is broad, he noted, with many competing priorities, and it is difficult to articulate the qualities that define great leadership. After receiving input from many sources, most of whom seemed to have the university’s welfare at heart, “It was eye-opening to see how attractive the university and the Miami community have become,” continued Mr. Fain, who is chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “I thought I had a good appreciation of the unique characteristics of the U and of our community. What I found exciting was to grasp just how widely the word has spread.” Noting that the university’s stature and reputation have grown appreciably over the past 10 years, the position profile lays out a long list of minimum qualifications, from “the ability to define and put into effect an ambitious agenda for increasing this commitment to excellence” to “an appreciation

CONTINUING EDUCATION: The Heritage School, a fully credited private school situated on 10 acres in West Kendall, sold its property at Southwest 133rd Avenue and 120th Street to Smart Charter Group LLC for $6.7 million. Realtor Sandra Goldstein, president of Sandra Goldstein & Associates Inc. represented the buyer. She said the owner was motivated to sell and was BY SUSAN DANSEYAR pleased to find a buyer that would continue the site’s educational use.

“The Shalala Years” will shine as a beacon in university’s history, said board Chairman Stuart Miller.

for the complexities of college athletics in a major research university and a commitment to an unwavering sense of ethics and integrity in the oversight of athletic programs.” The incoming executive must have a transparent leadership style and one that is “warm and gracious, but with an unbridled ambition for the university,” it continues, predicting that under such a leader, “the University of Miami will be a university of which all its constituents are incredibly proud and enormously optimistic.” The willingness to build on fundraising programs that have been enormously successful during Dr. Shalala’s tenure was also emphasized. The Momentum and Momentum2 campaigns have raised almost $3 billion for the private university. The latter is in its final stages and has reached 90% of its goal, so the incoming president will have the challenge of finding a new angle to “strengthen the resource base.” The new leader will also have to understand the changing nature of healthcare and an appreciation of the role the university’s medical school plays in the community, as well

as the ability to forge new alliances and to strengthen the collaboration with partner Laureate Education Inc., a forprofit higher-education company that has 72 schools in 30 countries, including 29 in Latin America. The committee had previously announced that it would hire an executive search firm, and at the end of November selected Russell Reynolds Associates. Ilene H. Nagel, Ph.D., Los Angeles-based leader of the firm’s education practice, leads the effort. She has been involved in recruiting for MIT, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan, according to the search website, which describes her as a “a lifelong academic.” Stuart A. Miller, chairman of the university’s board of trustees, has said that “The Shalala Years” will shine as a beacon in the university’s history. “President Shalala has guided the university into the top tier of national research universities with unprecedented progress in the academic qualifications and diversity of our student body, scholarly productivity, research innovation, patient care, fundraising, new and improved facilities, and global community outreach,” said Mr. Miller, who is CEO, director and member of the executive committee of Lennar Corp. “We’d like to find another Donna Shalala,” said university trustee Arthur Hertz, who is also chief executive of Wometco Enterprises, when her resignation was announced. “We’d love to get another president with her level of enthusiasm and energy.”

$64 million gets Bayview Market site

CITY SELLS LAND: Miami commissioners have Sandra Goldstein agreed to sell a small parcel of vacant land, after declaring it surplus. The deal involves land at 1796 NW 18th Terrace. It was sold to Felix Suarez Rosales for $10,430. Mr. Rosales, the adjacent property owner, approached the city regarding purchasing the 4,090square-foot parcel next to his. He said he wanted to buy the land to be able to maintain and control the “constant debris problem on site,” reads a staff report on the sale. The city charter provides an exception from competitive bidding requirements for disposition of non-waterfront cityowned land when conveying to an adjacent property owner when the land is 7,500 square feet or less, or the non-waterfront property is nonbuildable. The parcel sold met all those conditions. METROMOVER CLOSURES: Metromover, the 4.4-mile elevated peoplemover, will be shuttered during the weekend so that maintenance work can be completed, Miami-Dade Transit officials said. The county will provide a free bus shuttle between Metromover stations, with buses to run every 10 to 15 minutes. Metromover service is to resume at 5 a.m. Monday. Details: http:// www.miamidade.gov/transit/metromover.asp FOR SENIORS: Miami city commissioners accepted a $1.3 million grant from Miami-Dade County as part of its Building Better Communities general obligation bonds program. The money will go to the Kinloch Park Sandra DeLucca New Senior Center. The work includes designing and constructing an annex to the existing community center building, a new 3,000-square-foot kitchen, a large multi-purpose room, fitness room and art room. It will also accommodate spaces for restrooms, storage and utility rooms. Kinloch Park is at 455 NW 47th Ave. LEGAL MOTION: Gray/Robinson has moved its law firm to the Wells Fargo Building, 333 SE Second Ave., Suite 3200. Contact information will remain the same: phone (305) 416-6880, fax (305) 416-6887.

After years in the commercial real estate business, one knows when to take advantage of a great offer, said Ignacio Garcia Du-Quesne, former developer of the proposed retail and office project Bayview Market in the Biscayne corridor at 17th Street. BDB Miami LLC, of which Mr. Du-Quesne, Jeffrey Weil and Michael Bisciotti are managing partners, and 110 Avon, a partnership between Atlantabased BDB Realty and Redwood Capital Investments, sold the 7.35-acre vacant site in Edgewater for $64 million to Rebuild Miami-Edgewater, headed by Richard Meruelo. BDB Miami owned the site at the corner of Northeast Second Avenue and 17th Street for years and announced in 2009 construction would begin in 2010 for the $200 million project. It was to include up to 525,000 square feet of office and retail space and 1,200 to 2,160 parking spots. “Then the recession occurred, the market made such a

turn and everything came to a stop,” Mr. Garcia Du-Quesne told Miami Today this week. “We got a great offer and decided to take the profit.” Attorney Louis Zaretsky, who represents Mr. Meruelo, said his client’s plans are unknown at this time. He said it’s a unique property and it’s difficult to find a vacant lot of this size in the area. “Mr. Meruelo has faith in the area,” Mr. Zaretsky said in reference to his client’s interest in the property. The site was recently rezoned, with 3.9 million square feet of building allowed. It’s the largest footprint in the city of Miami, said Mr. Du-Quesne. In April 2009, Omni’s Community Redevelopment Agency board approved making Bayview Market eligible for a 50% tax rebate once the project was completed, totaling up to $20 million. Rebuild Miami-Edgewater will not be using the special permit the former owners had but may seek another one, Mr. Zaretsky said.

As for the proceeds from the sale, Mr. Du-Quesne said BDB Miami is interested in talking on grocery-anchored shopping centers.

TODAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEWS

MIAMI TODAY

WEEK OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

836 express buses to start in 2019, add park-and-ride sites BY LIDIA DINKOVA

Plans to provide express bus service on the Dolphin Expressway are moving forward as buses are to start running on the route in 2019. The $38 million project includes two park-and-ride facilities, a bus terminal at Florida International Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Modesto A. Maidique Campus and 11 buses. The planned service is meant to alleviate the traffic congestion on the Dolphin Expressway, or State Road 836, which connects the suburbs in the west and southwest to employment centers such as downtown in the east. The park-and-ride facilities are located so that residents from the northwestern and southwestern parts of Miami-Dade County would have access to the facilities. The Tamiami Station park and ride is to rise at Southwest Eighth Street and 147th Avenue in West Miami-Dade, and the Dolphin Station park and ride is to rise at Northwest 12th Street and 122nd Avenue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The opportunity would be that you could literally get on the Turnpike or Krome [Avenue] and park at the park-and-ride,â&#x20AC;? said Albert Hernandez, assistant director of engineering, planning

Photo by Maxine Usdan

Albert Hernandez, seen talking at last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transportation summit, afterwards laid out 836 bus plans.

& development at Miami-Dade Transit. Miami-Dade Transit is looking at three proposed routes for this project: Â&#x201E;Line A would take off from the Tamiami Station and go straight to Government Center in downtown. Â&#x201E;Line B would take off from the Panther Station and go straight to the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC), a transportation hub just east of Miami International Airport. Â&#x201E;Line C would take off from the Dolphin Station and head straight to Government Center

in downtown. These routes arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t set in stone and might change. For the Dolphin Expressway service, Miami-Dade County is obtaining 11 articulated buses, which are the same as the I-95 Express and Kendall Cruiser buses, said Monica Cejas, a senior professional engineer head of the Planning and System Development Division at MiamiDade Transit. Each bus is 60 feet long and has a capacity of 100 passengers, with 60 of them sitting, Ms. Cejas said. The Dolphin Expressway ex-

Public Notice NOTICE IS GIVEN that a meeting of the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at 9:30 AM, in the Commission Chambers, located on the Second Floor of the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 N.W. First Street, Miami, Florida, wherein, among other matters to be considered, a public hearing will be held on the following proposed ordinances/resolutions: Ordinances and Resolutions: t 3FTPMVUJPO HSBOUJOH QFUJUJPO UP close NW 16 Street, NW 14 Terrace, NW 13 Terrace and NW 13 Street, between NW 129 Avenue and NW 130 Avenue t 3 FTPMVUJPO HSBOUJOH QFUJUJPO UP close the 20 foot alley west of NW 17 Avenue, between NW 91 Street and NW 92 Street t 3 FTPMVUJPO approving SigniďŹ cant ModiďŹ cation of Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond Program Project No. 180 - â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Additional Courtrooms and Administration Facilitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; to reduce allocation by $30,000,000.00 and addition of Project No. 351 -â&#x20AC;&#x153;Emergency Capital Repairs to Miami-Dade County Courthouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; with an allocation of $30,000,000.00 of surplus funds from Project No. 180, all as identiďŹ ed in Appendix A to Resolution No. R-915-04, after a public hearing; and waiving requirements of Implementing Order 3-47 regarding adding new projects to the bond program using surplus funds t 3FTPMVUJPO DPEFTJHOBUJOH 4PVUI %BEFMBOE #PVMFWBSE BT â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Herschel V. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Green Boulevardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; All interested parties may appear and be heard at the time and place speciďŹ ed. The proposed ordinances listed below will have a Second Reading to be considered for enactment by the Board at the time and place speciďŹ ed above. t 0SEJOBODF pertaining to Small Business Enterprise Architecture & Engineering Program; amending Section 2-10.4.01 of the Code to create A/E Advisory Board, reduce Tier 1 Threshold, create Tier 3 Category, and allow higher tier set-aside given unavailability at a lower tier; amending Section 2-8.1.1.1.1 of the Code to remove Small Business Advisory Board Architecture & Engineering jurisdiction t 0 SEJOBODF SFMBUJOH UP Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Compensation Insurance; amending Section 2-8.1 of the Code; requiring proof and maintenance of Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Compensation Insurance in certain county contracts; providing that failure to maintain such Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Compensation Insurance shall be a cause for debarment under Section 10-38 of the Code t 0 SEJOBODF related to Wage Theft; amending Section 22-8 of the Code; extending time for Sunset Review of Wage Theft Ordinance from ďŹ ve years to ten years t 0 SEJOBODF related to the Community Image Advisory Board; renaming the Community Image Advisory Board as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neat Streets Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;; amending Article XCII of the Code; replacing references to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Community Image Advisory Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neat Streets Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; directing the Mayor or designee to discontinue the use of the name Community *NBHF "EWJTPSZ #PBSE BOE VTF UIF OBNF UIF Neat Streets Miami in all documents, signage, and other references t 0SEJOBODF amending Ordinance No. 14-77 related to accelerating certain Water and Sewer Department contracts t 0 SEJOBODF relating to the Fontainebleau Municipal Advisory Committee created to study the possible incorporation of a Municipality in the Fontainebleau area All interested parties may appear at the time and place speciďŹ ed. A person who decides to appeal any decision made by any board, agency, or commission with respect to any matter DPOTJEFSFE BU JUT NFFUJOH PS IFBSJOH XJMM OFFE B SFDPSE PG QSPDFFEJOHT 4VDI QFSTPOT NBZ OFFE UP FOTVSF UIBU B WFSCBUJN SFDPSE PG UIF QSPDFFEJOHT JT NBEF JODMVEJOH UIF UFTUJNPOZ BOE FWJEFODF VQPO XIJDI UIF BQQFBM JT UP CF CBTFE .JBNJ %BEF $PVOUZ QSPWJEFT FRVBM BDDFTT BOE FRVBM PQQPSUVOJUZ BOE EPFT OPU EJTDSJNJOBUF PO UIF CBTJT PG EJTBCJMJUZ JO JUT QSPHSBNT PS TFSWJDFT 'PS NBUFSJBM JO BMUFSOBUF GPSNBU B TJHO MBOHVBHF JOUFSQSFUFS PS PUIFS BDDPNNPEBUJPO QMFBTF DBMM 305-375-2035 or email: agendco@miamidade.gov.

)"37&: 367*/ $-&3, $)3*4501)&3 "(3*11" %&165: $-&3, For legal ads online, go to http://legalads.miamidade.gov

press bus service will run with the regular traffic unless there is congestion, in which case the buses would be allowed to run on the expresswayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoulder, said Mr. Hernandez. If a vehicle has stopped on the shoulder, then the buses would merge back in traffic. The $38 million cost is to be funded by the Federal Transit Administration, the Florida Department of Transportation and Miami-Dade County. The Florida Department of Transportation is providing the land where the Tamimai and Dolphin stations park-and-ride facilities are to be built â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and that

has significantly lowered the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cost. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we were to acquire the 8 acres at Tamiami Station and the 15 acres at Dolphin Station, that would be another $15 million to $20 million,â&#x20AC;? Ms. Cejas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t calculated it. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s huge.â&#x20AC;? The county is partnering with Florida International University (FIU) for the bus terminal, or the future Panther Station, at Southwest Eighth Street and 109th Avenue. Miami-Dade County is retrofitting the lower level of an existing FIU garage to turn it into a bus terminal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We still have to work out the details of the memorandum of understanding, but in essence we are putting the money in order for us to make it a hub. We wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be paying any feesâ&#x20AC;? to FIU, Ms. Cejas said. Ultimately, if buses leaving the Panther Station head to the MIC, students, faculty and neighborhood residents would have a connection to the entire county â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and even beyond. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are bringing our transit riders to a centralized location, a hub, where they can come and transfer to other routes,â&#x20AC;? Ms. Cejas said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;as well as bringing people from the rail, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from the Kendall area or Hialeah to FIU.â&#x20AC;?

Rail too slow to build, try buses, summit told B Y CATHERINE L ACKNER

Among the ideas discussed at last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 Transportation Summit was bus rapid transit, a way of navigating Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s congested streets that is gaining favor with the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transportation planning entity. At a recent workshop, the group endorsed bus rapid transit as cheaper than rail, despite a voter mandate to extend Metrorail that was part of a 2002 transportation surtax. But â&#x20AC;&#x153;rail takes time to build; it takes decades to get something done,â&#x20AC;? said Benjamin de la PeĂąa, director of community and national strategy for the Knight Foundation, at the summit.â&#x20AC;?Really good bus rapid transit is very flexible and requires little in the way of infrastructure. Most rail works on a hub system, whereas buses donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to stay on the corridor. They can go off to different places as needed.â&#x20AC;? The voter opinion may stem from the image of Metrorail gliding along on tracks above the gridlock while buses remain stuck in it, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not necessarily the case, Mr. de la PeĂąa said. In a properly constructed system, buses would be independent of other traffic and would run down medians in the center of roadways. The obvious disadvantages â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the loss of one traffic lane each way, along with driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; inability to turn left â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are more than compen-

sated for by the number of vehicles that would be taken off the road and the fact that slower-moving buses that stop frequently are removed from the right traffic lane, Mr. de la PeĂąa said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The gold standard is to have a dedicated lane separate from other traffic, so that nothing impedes the buses,â&#x20AC;? he said. Putting bus lanes alongside the right lane of traffic doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work, he said, because vehicles are often parked there and drivers turning right cross the busesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; path. Bus rapid transit has worked well in Mexico City, BogotĂĄ, and other major cities, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And you have the opportunity to improve the built environment for pedestrians,â&#x20AC;? in that neighborhoods tend to gentrify around the stations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can put them through the most congested parts of town and take some parking away.â&#x20AC;? Ease of use, hence ridership, hinges on several factors, he said. The system must include off-board fare collection, so that buses donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to stop while passengers fumble for cash or cards, Mr. de la PeĂąa said. Station platforms that are level with the bus are crucial, he said, so that no step up or down would present an obstacle to people using wheelchairs or strollers or bringing bicycles aboard the bus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And there must be high-quality stations that are attractive and weather-protected, especially in a climate such as ours,â&#x20AC;? he said.

WEEK OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

TODAY’S NEWS

MIAMI TODAY

Summit group gripes about gridlock, gropes for answers BY CATHERINE LACKNER

Solving Miami-Dade County’s tangled maze of congested traffic was the focus when a large crowd of business people, elected officials, activists and other stakeholders met for the 2015 Transportation Summit last week. Attendees griped about the gridlock, cast about for ideas to ease it, and heard from experts who had made dents in their cities’ transit problems. The event was organized by the Citizens Independent Transportation Trust, county officials including Mayor Carlos Gimenez, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and the Miami-Dade County League of Cities. “The No. 1 most pressing issue is transportation,” said Antonio L. Argiz, chamber chairman. “Traffic is choking our downtown and our suburbs. It’s plugging major roadways, and it will impede our growth if we can’t find a solution. “We should encourage the private sector to get involved,” he said, “because federal and state dollars are stretched to the limit.” Mayor Gimenez said the county has more than $1.2 billion in unfunded traffic needs, including the rehabilitation and expansion of Metrorail and creation of a transit link from the mainland to Miami Beach. “We really need funding ideas,” he said. “Don’t look to the state or federal government for help, because the government doesn’t have the money it used to. Face facts: We have to do this ourselves.” Public-private partnerships might be the way to go, he said, pointing to All Aboard Florida, which is creating a rail link between Miami and Central Florida and building stations here as well as in Broward and Palm Beach counties. “This is at no cost to the public,” the mayor said, “and I expect we’re going to get a commuter line on that corridor, too.”

Photos by Maxine Usdan

Summit attendees were told that traffic is choking downtown and the suburbs and plugging major roads.

Pinecrest Commissioner James McDonald, the head of the MiamiDade County League of Cities transportation committee, talks with County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava and Neisen Kasdin, the office managing partner of Akerman law firm, at last week’s summit.

And he urged county government to legalize app-based car services like Uber and Lyft. “This is another opportunity for residents to move around. Right now, they’re illegal, but thousands of residents use them every day. We’re fooling our-

selves if we think we’re going to put this genie back in the bottle. We have to find a way to make it legal.” Responding to his constituents’ demands, Esteban Bovo Jr., county commission vice chair, said he has made han-

dling transportation issues his priority for the next two years. “We need to move the dial and bring the business community to the table. We want to see movement and investment, and have something to take back to the residents.” In the coming years, 80% of the world’s population will live in urban areas, said Philip A. Washington, general manager and CEO of the Denver Regional Transportation District. Finding ways to move people around efficiently is crucial, he said. “Our founders must be rolling over in their graves,” he said. “We have not taken care of the infrastructure they left us, and we need to build more.” Before embarking on a $2.2 billion upgrade of Denver’s transit system, a city task force studied the basic needs of a changing demographic and examined why a previous attempt to expand the rail line had failed.

The city purchased the derelict Union Station and vowed to refurbish it, along with the surrounding 19.6 acres, then set about convincing voters to get on board with the expansion plan. “We involved them in planning all the way, right down to the stops,” Mr. Washington said. In the end, through a “lasagna” of funding that included federal money, local contributions, a region-wide sales tax of four tenths of one percent, and public-private partnerships, the project added 122 miles of rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit, and 21,000 new parking spaces. It created 10,300 jobs and pumped $5 billion into the local economy, $1 billion of that into small businesses. “It can be replicated, if the will is there,” said Mr. Washington, who is also chairman of the American Public Transportation Association. “Invest in infrastructure. The payoff is there.” A public-private partnership built the Maryland Purple Line, said Jeffrey D. Ensor, director of project delivery and finance for the Maryland Transit Administration. Among advantages is the transfer of risk and the ability to innovate, he added. Construction is to begin later this year on the line, a 16-mile east-west rail service linking several communities and connecting to a larger system. The state requested proposals, which are due in March, for a concessionaire to design and build the line, and also to finance part of it. Maryland will set the standards for the $2.4 billion project, and “we will take deductions if work is not delivered,” Mr. Ensor said, thereby retaining control over it. While there are many perks to the arrangement, some cautions apply, he said. “If you’re going to get into a public-private partnership, make the decision early,” Mr. Ensor told the audience, “and engage the stakeholders early.”

State loan sets in motion $23 million pollution clean-up BY JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS

The clean-up of a polluted tributary of the Miami River is set to begin shortly, thanks in large part to a state loan program. This month city commissioners approved the Wagner Creek/Seybold Canal Dredging Restoration Project, which sets in motion the $23 million dredging and clean-up work. The people who live along the river, and who have worked to keep the area clean, are planning to celebrate the news – literally. From 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 31, the Spring Garden Civic Association will celebrate the start of the clean-up at Greenfield Garden, 1094 NW North River Drive. The group has invited members of the Miami River Commission, the mayor and city commissioners to the event. The river commission’s Stormwater Committee, headed by Sallye Jude and assisted by Managing Director Brett Bibeau and canal resident Charlie Hand,

worked to get the needed funding for the major project, according to the association. Wagner Creek has been identified as having a high concentration of pollutants. The project aims to remove accumulated sediments and dioxins (a hazardous chemical bound to the sediments), and subsequently restore stormwater capacity in both Wagner Creek and Seybold Canal, benefiting the community and South Florida’s natural aquatic resources, said a project summary. Stormwater runs into Wagner Creek, which merges into Seybold Canal, from the surrounding area. City officials said that stormwater discharge has elevated concentrations of dioxins, total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals. Dredging is to begin where Wagner Creek flows out of a culvert at Northwest 20th Street and to continue to where the Seybold Canal empties into the Miami River, a distance of about 2.5 miles.

Based on an approved corrective action plan, the project will provide for the “efficient and safe” excavation of contaminated, accumulated sediment in six operational sections – five in Wagner Creek and one in Seybold Canal – as well as transport of that sediment to a landfill, according to officials. The total estimated cost for the design, permitting and dredging is $23 million. The city has received Florida Inland Navigation District grants and allocated stormwater utility funds and is expected to get a State Revolving Fund loan to cover the shortfall of approximately $18 million, officials said. The latest action included city commissioners accepting a $200,000 grant Jan. 8 that will help subsidize the project. The grant, from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, was made possible by the Florida Legislature. The fact that the bulk of the funds can come via the State Revolving Fund means the project will soon be put out for bids, according to city officials.

State Revolving Fund programs save money for projects that benefit the environment, including protection of public health and conservation of local watersheds. Federal and state contributions fund loans for a wide variety of water quality projects, including stormwater, watershed protection or restoration, and estuary management projects, as well as municipal wastewater treatment projects. Last summer, the river commission urged city staff to do all it could to secure the needed funding. “The Wagner Creek/Seybold Canal is considered the most contaminated waterway in the State of Florida and requires immediate remediation before the contamination migrates to other areas in the Miami River,” wrote Horacio Stuart Aguirre, river commission chair. The river commission “vigorously” recommends moving forward with dredging, wrote Mr. Aguirre, who said cleanup of the creek and canal would improve the environment and local business.

TODAY’S NEWS

MIAMI TODAY

WEEK OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Palmetto Bay, Westview developer seek county incentives BY L IDIA DINKOVA

A South Miami-Dade municipality and a private company that’s working on a mixed-use project in North Miami-Dade have submitted separate applications to the county seeking taxpayer funds to cover infrastructure costs that are part of their projects. Rosal Westview LLC, which has the same principals as Miami-based acquisition, development and construction firm for multi-family properties Landmark Co., wants to build a business complex, Westview Business Park, on property it owns off the Gratigny Parkway and between Northwest 22nd and 27th avenues. That includes industrial space and warehouses as well as retail. The company has applied for $14 million in taxpayer funds. The Village of Palmetto Bay has applied for $15 million in county taxpayer funding to cover infrastructure costs for improvements related to its down-

town project, where residences and shops would create a livable, walkable community within the municipality. Both applicants are seeking funds from the county’s economic development funds program, a pot that has been nearly depleted save for $15 million. The economic development fund program is a $75 million pot that’s designated for infrastructure improvements. The money comes from bond debt funding to be paid off over time by taxpayers. The program is part of the larger $2.9 billion Building Better Communities bond program that county voters approved in 2004. Over the past couple of months, the county commission has voted to allocate $60 million out of the $75 million pot to various projects. The allocations have proven contentious, prompting much debate on the county commission dais. Supporters say the developments will create jobs and serve as an economic engine to the

county. Others say they don’t necessarily oppose the projects but the way the county is handling the fund distribution. Most recently, four hopefuls have applied for the remaining $15 million in the pot. Aside from Rosal Westview and Palmetto Bay, River Landing Development wants $38.5 million for its mixed-use development off the Miami River. Also, the City of Coral Gables wants $19.3 million for its Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue reconstruction. River Landing’s request for $38.5 million is by far the highest amount requested from the county’s economic development funds program. Even though there’s $15 million left in the pot – and the four applicants are seeking an aggregate of $86.8 million – that doesn’t mean those applicants are completely excluded from the race for the funds. The economic development funds program works as a reimbursement,

meaning that awardees only get the money if the county determines that the completed project has created the previously agreed-upon number of jobs. All contracts between the county and the awardees of the aggregate of $60 million in funding are to be negotiated by July 21. Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, who brought the legislation establishing the July deadline, told Miami Today she expects that some contracts won’t be successfully negotiated. She added that she plans to introduce follow-up legislation that would call for the recapture of economic development funds if a contract isn’t successfully negotiated. It’s not yet known when the four applicants will come up for a vote in front of the county commission. “What would end up happening is this board would approve these items,” said Commissioner Barbara Jordan, “and they would be the first ones on the list for recapture.”

T HE L AST W O R D MIA TOPS ETA: Miami International Airport was among the top 10 large global airports for on-time arriving and departing flights in 2014, according to OAG, an airport and airline industry analytics firm. While four US airports made the list, MIA was one of two that serve more than 40 million passengers. On-time is defined as departures and arrivals that take place within 15 minutes of their schedule. MIA averaged an 83.2% on-time performance, above the 82.9% average of the top 20 large airports in the report. The report can be downloaded at http://www.oag.com/Insight/ Free-Reports/punctuality-league-2014 FULL OCCUPANCY: State Street Realty, a Miami-based brokerage and advisory firm, has leased 118,897 square feet (Building 5) to Ingram Micro Inc. at Prologis Beacon Centre Business Park, a Class A Prologis-owned secure distribution warehouse park. This is one of the largest warehouse leases completed in Miami in recent months. The “This is Hollywood-class,” said Rodolfo Paiz, who has specialized in retail and now plans a film complex. property, at Northwest 25th Street and the Dolphin Expressway in the Airport West area, is now 100% occupied. Prologis is the largest landlord of industrial warehouse space in Airport West. State Street President George Pino, Executive Vice President Ed Lyden George Pino and associate Brian Cabielles represented Prologis. Ingram Micro was represented by Vice President Mort Fetterolf and senior associate Erin Dee of Colliers International South Florida.

11-stage film studio won incentives and now deals for 160 county acres BY CATHERINE LACKNER

If all goes as planned, a mammoth studio complex comprising 11 sound stages and 1.5 billion cubic feet of water in 10 giant tanks, as well as office and production space, will rise on 160 acres of county-owned land at 20000 NW 47th Ave. by early 2018. “I’m hoping to beat Atlanta and North Carolina by a chunk,” said Rodolfo Paiz, a principal of Miami Ocean Studios LLC. “This is Hollywood-class.” His company is in negotiations to lease the Miami-Dade County land and will begin infrastructure improvements, including roads and sewers, when the deal is signed. The improvements will cost nearly $30 million, of which the county will reimburse the developer $10 million once the work is done, he said. The land lies in an unincorporated area known as County Club of Miami, between the Palmetto Expressway and the Florida Turnpike, near the Miami-Dade and Broward county line, and north of Opa-locka Executive Airport. The state transportation department has plans to widen Northwest 47th Street next year, which is a key advantage of the site. Construction will commerce in about a year and will take roughly two years, Mr. Paiz

said. The sound stages, the largest of which is 24,000 square feet, will have ceiling heights of 33 to 45 feet to accommodate lighting and electrical needs, he said. The studios also have to be able to withstand a category 5 hurricane, he added. “If you figure the kind of structure that is that big, with no column in the middle, that’s a huge block of clear space,” he said. “All of this stuff needs to be well-engineered. Fortunately, the process of knowing how to do it is already out there.” The water features include a canal that is 100 feet wide and 3,000 feet long, one water tank that is 300 by 200 feet square, and one that is 30 feet deep, he said. “One of things Miami has going for it is water, but it can be inconvenient and unsafe to shoot in open water, so we’ve designed these tanks,” Mr. Paiz said. “This is a complete package; it will have few competitors worldwide.” A third-generation member of a Guatemalan family that has traditionally specialized in retail, he said his company ran a number of scenarios before committing to the studio project. While it is not strictly predicated on the state reviving its moribund incentive program, Mr. Paiz said he hopes the Legislature will do so. “It’s our general belief that

incentives offered by the State of Florida and, possibly, Miami-Dade County, are extremely important.” Reports have estimated that each incentive dollar results in a five-fold direct or indirect expenditure. “When we give somebody a dollar and they come back and spend five, that looks like great business to me, and something we want to promote as much as possible.” He estimates that the project will add about 3,100 direct jobs during construction and 2,700 high-paying positions for film crews and others who work in the complex once it is open. A hotel is also planned for the property and will be probably be run by a concessionaire, he added. Mr. Paiz said he hopes Miami Ocean Studios will also become a business accelerator. “In a place like Miami, you always have start-ups. We will be looking for people who are doing cool things that are applicable to recording, and might take a portion of equity in their companies. We hope folks who are trying new things and looking for resources will find us.” It will have a synergistic effect to not only build the studio, but also to nurture the local talent that will be needed as the film industry expands here, he said. “We’re very focused on building not only our brand, but Miami’s brand.”

GOOD LOOKS: The Aesthetic Steering Committee for the state’s I-395 rebuild project meets at 9 a.m. Jan. 30 at the James L. Knight Concert Hall, Adrienne Arsht Center, 1301 Biscayne Blvd. The $600 million project is to rebuild 1.4 miles of I-395 from the I-95/Midtown interchange to the west channel bridge of the MacArthur Causeway and is to include a new “signature” bridge in the shadow of the arts center. The Florida Department of Transportation said last week the project will begin earlier than planned. Advertisement for bids will tentatively be in the fall of 2015, and construction will tentatively begin at the end of 2016 or early 2017, the department said. UNDERLINE DESIGN FINALISTS: Miami-Dade Transit and MiamiDade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Departments and Friends of The Underline announced five design consulting firms being considered to develop master planning for The Underline. They are Balmori Associates of New York City; Dlandstudio of Brooklyn, NY; James Corner Field Operations of New York City; Perkins + Will of Atlanta,and Stoss of Boston. Chosen from 19 applicants, these finalists will make final presentations Feb. 2 in Miami. The Underline is the planned transformation of land beneath Metrorail from the Miami River to Dadeland South into a 10-mile linear park and bicycle and pedestrian commuter/exercise trail. LUXURY HOTEL SELLS: Private equity firm Z Capital Partners LLC acquired Canyon Ranch Hotel and Spa at 6801 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach for $21.6 million. Z Capital was approved by the US Bankruptcy Court Southern District of New York as the successful bidder in the auction. CBRE Hotels and CBRE Capital Markets, Multifamily arranged the marketing and sale. Z Capital intends to transform the property into a new fivestar hotel venture called the Carillon Hotel and Spa. The property will be managed by a new joint venture created by Z Capital, together with Adrian Zecha, founder of Amanresorts and GHM Hotels Ltd., and Jonathan Breene, developer and creator of The Setai, South Beach. PROMOTING TRADE: The Florida Foreign Trade Association has scheduled a number of events at Miami Free Zone: The Executive and the Future of Enterprise (Spanish), Feb. 10; The Executive and the Future of Enterprise (English), Feb. 17; Import/Export Seminar (English), March 9 and 11; Import/Export Seminar (Spanish), March 30 and April 1; Colombia Mission (Inbound), March 24-27; 21st Alliance Business Expo, March 25; Trade Dominican Republic (Inbound), April 19-23; Online Marketing (English), April 28; Online Marketing (Spanish), May 5; Trade Honduras (Inbound), May 25-28; Import/Export Seminar (English), June 1 and 3; Import/Export Seminar (Spanish), June 8 and 10; Trade USA-Costa Rica (Inbound), June 22 and 25; Trade Panama (Inbound), July 27-30; 22nd Alliance Business Expo, Aug. 26; Import/Export Seminar (English), Sept. 7 and 9; Import/Export Seminar (Spanish), Sept. 14 and 16; Online Marketing (English), Oct. 6; Online Marketing (Spanish), Oct. 13; Trade Peru-USA (Inbound), Oct. 19-22; and the 23rd Alliance Business Expo, Nov. 18.

WEEK OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

MIAMI TODAY

8 local companies tap into Middle East at Arab Health 2015 BY SUSAN D ANSEYAR

Miami companies had a chance to market their medical and healthcare products to an international audience and build trade partnerships in the Middle East during the Florida Showcase at Arab Health 2015. The healthcare event, hosted by Enterprise Florida, the principal economic development organization for the state, was held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. It began Monday and ends today (1/29). Arab Health, taking place for nearly 40 years, is the largest healthcare event in the Middle East. In 2014, the tradeshow attracted 112,103 visitors from more than 64 countries including medical staff, hospital management and dealer-distributors.

The Enterprise Florida-led trip represents the largest group of Florida small and mid-sized businesses to attend an international trade show in the past year. Of the 31 companies that participated, nine were awarded a Florida Trade grant. This is the second year STAT Medical Devices Inc. of North Miami Beach has attended Arab Health. Long-time employee Rosalyn Silver told Miami Today this week that the benefit for the company is “being seen, letting others know about your product and what you can ship.” Last year, she said, STAT Medical Devices gained interest from distributors at the conference and is currently working with potential consumers buying the company’s product. Before leaving for Dubai, director of sales Jack Huls said in a written release

the Middle East has so many prospects for growth and STAT Medical Devices has greatly benefitted from attending missions with Enterprise Florida. Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are an excellent market and business center of the Middle East and a gateway to Southeast Asia, particularly India, said Manny Mencia, senior vice president of international trade development for Enterprise Florida. He told Miami Today on Tuesday that Arab Health is particularly attractive for companies that want to diversify their exports. “It’s the place to go to access technology and products in the life sciences field,” Mr. Mencia said. According to Enterprise Florida, Florida has about 1,000 biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, making it third in the US for phar-

maceutical and medical manufacturing businesses. There are more than 44,000 healthcare establishments around the state and more than 700,000 healthcare professionals. Enterprise Florida reports total projected sales from its recent events include the MEDICA world forum for medicine in Germany, where 25 Florida companies recorded more than $151 million in total projected sales. The Miami companies and organizations that participated in the Florida Showcase at Arab Health 2015 include Alfa Vitamins Laboratories Inc., Bulbtronics, FIME, Gaumard Scientific and HNM Medical. Also participating from Miami-Dade County were Atlas Specialty Lighting of Hialeah and US Defib Medical Technologies of Medley.

Jackson team reviews $100 million-plus in capital spending BY JOHN CHARLES ROBBINS

A new oversight committee for the Jackson Health System in Miami-Dade County has established a website, discussed the format for its quarterly reports, and reviewed the first round of anticipated capital projects amounting to more than $100 million. The Jackson Health System General Obligation Bond Citizens’ Advisory Committee, created last year, is charged with monitoring how the health system spends more than $830 million in public funding from bonds that county voters approved in 2013. A selection committee of the Jackson Health System’s independent governing body, the Public Health Trust, recommended names to the county commission for appointment to the oversight committee last fall. County commissioners made the appointments in October. Chairperson of the new committee is Jose Luis Gomez. The committee has met twice, once in November and again this month. Its purpose is to advise the county commission, Public Health Trust Board and county mayor regarding Jackson’s general obligation bond program. With interest, the $830 million bond approved by voters in 2013 is likely to cost taxpayers around $1.41 billion. That means the county will increase property taxes and issue bonds every year for the next decade, officials said. Before the review board held its inaugural meeting, county commissioners approved an ordinance speeding up the processing and procurement of design and construction contracts for Jackson. The expedited program transfers responsibility for “the de-

Photo by Maxine Usdan

First projects the committee reviewed this month include $24.7 million for Jackson Memorial Hospital.

velopment, advertisement, administration, evaluation, selection, negotiations, and award” of Jackson’s contracts from the county’s Internal Services Department to Jackson staff, including the formation and management of selection committees, according to the ordinance. Jackson is a nonprofit academic medical system, governed by the Public Health Trust made up of volunteers acting on behalf of the county commission. The administration at Jackson says most of the major projects will be completed in the next three to five years. Plans include renovating almost all patient units, emergency rooms and operating rooms; building urgent-care centers in many neighborhoods through-

out the county; constructing a children’s ambulatory center; replacing the rehabilitation hospital; and replacing roofs, elevators, air handlers and windows. Significant investment is also planned in equipment and IT systems. At the oversight committee’s meeting this month, staff gave an overview of the first phase of planned projects, referred to as Jackson Miracle-Building Bond Tranche #1. The list includes: Signature Projects: $13 million, includes $8 million for a rehabilitation center and $5 million for Children’s Outpatient Center. Jackson Memorial Hospital: More than $24.7 million of work, including $12.4 million for floor

modernizations of the West Wing and South Wing; $860,000 for equipment replacement and suite renovation for MRIs, Cath Lab, CT Scanners, etc.; $8.1 million for medical equipment purchases; $3.2 million for plant operations facility and infrastructure improvements. Holtz Children’s Hospital: More than $6.3 million of work, including $700,000 for Emergency Room expansion and renovation; $1.8 million for floor modernizations for East Tower and Pediatric Dialysis Clinic; and $3.8 in medical equipment purchases. Jackson North Medical Center: More than $11.9 million of work, including $846,000 for Operating and Emergency Room expansion and renovation; $3.5

million for floor modernizations; $1.9 million for equipment replacement and suite renovation for MRIs, Cath Lab, CT Scanners, etc.; $3.4 million for medical equipment purchases, and $2.2 million for plant operations facility and infrastructure improvements. Jackson South Community Hospital: More than $13.2 million of work, including $1.3 million for build out of Fourth Floor; $1.6 million for floor modernizations; $1.3 million for equipment replacement and suite renovation for MRIs, Cath Lab, CT Scanners, etc.; $7.2 million for medical equipment purchases; and $1.6 million for plant operations facility and infrastructure improvements. Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital: $250,000 for floor modernizations. Nursing Homes and Primary Care Centers: $964,108 of work, including $663,000 for plant operations facility and infrastructure improvements; and $301,108 for medical equipment purchases. Systemwide: More than $30.4 million, including $23.6 million for Information Technology; $3.5 million for medical equipment purchases; and nearly $3.3 million for plant operations facility and infrastructure improvements. Grand total of this first round of planned projects is $100,943,198. Vice chairperson of the advisory committee is Geraldine Lazarre. Other committee members are Martha Baker, Sigfredo Delgado, Chad Friedman, Carlos A. Gimenez and Michael O. Mena. Non-voting members are County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson and Marcos J. Lapciuc, who serves on the Public Health Trust Board of Trustees.

MIAMI TODAY

Miami’s Financial Future: An Insight into South Florida’s Hottest Emerging Sectors.” The event will focus on issues, opportunities and trends in technology, media and the financial sector. 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Conrad Hotel, 1395 Brickell Ave., Miami. Details: www.miamifinance forum.com.

ART Thursday 1/29 ARTS

ENCOUNTERS

Arts Encounter hosts Lincoln Road excursion. Participants will meet at ArtCenter/South Florida to walk through the exhibition “Thirty Years on the Road” with the artistic director and co-curator and end at the David Castillo Gallery to see contemporary artist José Lerma’s exhibit that explores Ponce de León’s quest to find the mythical Fountain of Youth 500 years ago. Admissions, guides and exhibition venues are included in ticket price and lunch is paid separately. ArtCenter/South Florida, 800 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. $35. RSVP required. Details: (305) 989-0027 or info@artsencounters.com.

CHILDREN Thursday 1/29 DINOSAURS

ART TALK

The Pérez Art Museum Miami hosts “Art Talk: Nicole Cherubini Talk on George Ohr.” The ceramic artist will discuss the works of the ceramicist George Ohr and his artistic process, including his inventive experimentations with clay. 7 p.m. Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Details: (305) 375-3000 or www.pamm.org.

Saturday 1/31 ANNIVERSARY

PARTY

Life Is Art hosts anniversary party and fundraiser for its sixth year anniversary. The evening will feature live music by Bows & Ties and Montserrat Franco, live art by Ileana Collazo, Aquarela Sabol, TeePop and Nicole Salgar, dance, libations, cuisine, poetry by Oscar Fuentes - the Biscayne Poet and performances by Jane “Jei” Castro and Kikimora. 7-11 p.m. Hotel Astor, 956 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. $50 advance with code: LIA6. $75 on site. Details: www.lifeis artfest.org.

BOOKS

Monday 2/2 THE BOSTON GIRL

Books & Books presents Anita Diamant in conversation with Pamela Lear about her book “The Boston Girl.” The book follows Addie Baum, born in 1900 to immigrant parents who were unprepared for and suspicious of America and its effect on their three daughters. Growing up in the North End, then a teeming multicultural neighborhood, Addie’s intelligence and curiosity take her to a world her parents can’t imagine – a world of short skirts, movies, celebrity culture and new opportunities for women. Eighty-five-year-old Addie tells the story of her life to her 22-year-old granddaughter, who has asked her “How did you get to be the woman you are today.” 8 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

Wednesday 2/4 IRVINE

WELSH

Irvine Welsh discusses his book “The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins.” The book follows Lucy Brennan, a Miami Beach personal-fitness trainer, as she disarms an apparently crazed gunman chasing two frightened homeless men along a deserted causeway at night. The police and the breakingnews cameras are not far behind. Within hours, Lucy becomes a hero. Her celebrity is short-lived, though: the “crazed gunman,” turns out to be a victim of child sexual abuse and the two men are serial pedophiles. 7 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

BUSINES S Thursday 1/29 MIAMI: CITY OF THE FUTURE

The Big Clic presents “Miami: City of the Future.” The keynote speaker will be American author TD Allman discussing the history of Miami and the perspectives for its future. Wine

LIVE!

Zoo Miami presents “Dinosaurs LIVE!” with 22 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and displays that look like the animals that once existed. Attendees will see these extinct creatures come back to life in an extraordinary outdoor Jurassic adventure. Among the dinosaurs on exhibit, guests will discover a fully grown “spitting” Dilophosaurus; baby, fastmoving carnivores named after their two crests, and the Tyrannosaurus Rex, whose name means “Tyrant Lizard King” due to its size and power. Exhibits through May 10. Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St., Cutler Ridge. Free for members and children 2 and under. $13.95 children ages 312. $17.95 others. Details: (305) 2510400 or www.zoomiami.org.

JULIAN RACHLIN: The New World Symphony and HELLO STAGE present violinist Julian Friday 1/30 FAMILY FRIDAY Rachlin live in concert as part of “LiVE,” a program dedicated to connecting the world through music. Pinecrest Gardens screens The concert will also be live streamed on the website. 7 p.m. Feb. 2. New World Center SunTrust DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Pavilion, 500 17th St., Miami Beach. Free. Details: (305) 573-5618 or www.livemusicworld.org. Train Your Dragon 2” as part of its

calendar of events week of thursday, january 29, 2015 and cheese will be served. 6:15-8:30 p.m. Venture Hive, 1010 NE Second Ave., Miami. $55. Details: https:// miamifuture.eventbrite.com.

Friday 1/30 THE NEXT DECADE

The University of Miami Center for Hemispheric Policy, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Canada in Miami and the Consulate General of Mexico in Miami, hosts discussion “NAFTA at 30: the Next Decade.” Panelists will include Laura Dawson, president of Dawson Strategic; Luz María de la Mora, director of the Mexico Program at WEConnect International; and Jeffrey Schott, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. 8-8:15 a.m. registration and continental breakfast. 8:15-10 a.m. presentation and discussion. Conrad Miami, Santa Cruz Room, 1395 Brickell Ave., Miami. Free for academics and students. $40 others. RSVP. Details: (305) 284-9871 or chprsvp@miami.edu or www.miami.edu/ chp. EDUCATION

SUMMIT

The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosts education summit “Linking Education to Employment Success.” Panelists will include Irma Becerra, provost and chief academic officer at St. Thomas University; Andrea Keener, dean of Barry University’s school of professional and career education; Mark B.

Rosenberg, president of Florida International University; Jose Vicente, president of Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus; and Albert Williams from Nova Southeastern University. Felipe Barulto, retail market manager at TD Bank and chairman of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will moderate. 12-2 p.m. La Jolla Ballroom, 301 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables. $45 members. $65 others. Details: (305) 534-1903 or info@sflhcc.com.

Saturday 1/31 VILLAGE

DIALOGUE

The Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board presents “Uniting the African Diaspora: An Invitation from the Afro Cuban Community.” The discussion will examine the relationship between Afro-Cubans and African Americans in Miami-Dade County. Panelists will include Carole Boyce Davies of Cornell University, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay, Democratic Black Caucus of Florida President Henry Crespo, CBS4 executive producer Cari Hernandez, Civic Awareness Inc. president Andres Albuquerque, historian and artist Dinizulu Gene Tinnie, 100 Black Men of South Florida Secretary Basil Binns III, and attorney Rene Gordon. Nancy Ancrum of The Miami Herald will moderate. 12-3 p.m. HistoryMiami, 101 W Flagler St., Miami. Details: (305) 375-5730.

Tuesday 2/3 BUSINESS

NETWORKING

Networking for Professionals Shakers and Stirrers Miami hosts business networking mixer for professionals. Complimentary nibbles, one free drink and drink specials thereafter are included. 6-8 p.m. Fado Irish Pub, Mary Brickell Village, 900 S Miami Ave., Miami. $10 advance members. $15 advance others. $20 on site. Details: (212) 227-6556 or events@ networkingforprofessionals.com. THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SERIES

Femfessionals Miami presents “Truths to Being a Happier Entrepreneur” by Cyndy Cecil-Bragg as part of its “The Entrepreneurial Series.” Ms. Cecil-Bragg is a practitioner of positive psychology with fun, humor and sass, she encourages women to make life a joy-riding adventure, even with bumps along the way. Her “Whooppower Your Life” franchise consists of an online and social media community featuring her “Ask Cyndy” advice series, inspirational quotes and a monthly interview series featuring “Women With Whoop POW.” 1-2 p.m. Teleclass, log in emailed the morning of class. Free. Details: www.femfessionals.com or www.whoopiequeen.com.

Wednesday 2/4 MIAMI’S FINANCIAL FUTURE

The Miami Finance Forum presents its signature event “Mapping

“Family Friday at the Gardens” series. The film follws Hiccup and Toothless as they discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace. 7 p.m. flashlight tour. 8 p.m. film. Banyan Bowl at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest. Free for children 2 and under. $5 others. Details: (305) 6696990 or www.pinecrestgardens.org

Sunday 2/1 FAMILY DAY

The Florida Grand Opera and South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center host their second annual family day. The event will feature a hands-on, behindthe-scenes experience, with interactive workshops, musical activities and a live performance of family-friendly opera selections. Children of all ages will enjoy learning to play a tune or two in the Instrument Petting Zoo, an interactive station where participants can actually pick up and play real instruments. Participants will also get to build, paint and decorate their own opera production piece. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211th St., Cutler Bay. Free. RSVP required. Details: (7860 573-5300 or www.smdcac.org/ events/florida-grand-opera-free-family-day.

DINING OUT

Thursday 1/29

TASTE OF THE GARDEN

The Miami Beach Garden Conservancy and the Miami Beach Garden Club present the 10th annual “Taste of the Garden.” The event will feature 20 chefs and restaurants in an outdoor dining experience under tents on the garden’s great lawn. Attendees will sample cuisine and cocktails, enjoy live entertainment and place bids the silent auction. This is a rain or shine event. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach. $100. Details: (305) 673-7256 ext. 206 or cbrown@mbgarden.org.

Friday 1/30 SPIRITS & BEER

CRAFT: Spirits & Beer hosts a tasting event. The two-day program will include industry seminars, a trade tasting and a public event, pairing chefs and bartenders with your craft. The public tasting gallery will feature distillers and brewers with bartend-

MIAMI TODAY

WEEK OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

calendar of events BOOKS

The author of “Trainspotting.”

Irvine Welsh Author Irvine Welsh discusses his book “The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins.” The book follows Lucy Brennan, a Miami Beach personal-fitness trainer, as she disarms an apparently crazed gunman chasing two frightened homeless men along a deserted causeway at night, the police and the breaking-news cameras are not far behind. Within hours, Lucy becomes a hero. Her celebrity is short-lived, though: the “crazed gunman,” turns out to be a victim of child sexual abuse and the two men are serial pedophiles. 7 p.m. Feb. 4. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

CEO of Whitman Family Development; and Jon Paul Perez, vice president of The Related Development and discuss “Miami’s Top Real Estate Families: The Next Generation.” 8 a.m.-5:10 p.m. 10:20 a.m. morning keynote address. 3:10 p.m. afternoon keynote address. Jan. 29. Kovens Conference Center, 3000 NE 151st St., North Miami. Details: (925) 953-1716 or Conservancy and the Miami Gina.Relva@marcusmillichap.com Beach Garden Club present the or http://mmfloridaforum.com/ 10th annual “Taste of the Garden.” The event will feature 20 EXHIBITS chefs and restaurants in an outdoor dining experience under tents on the garden’s great lawn. Attendees will sample cuisine and cocktails, enjoy live entertainment and place bids the silent auction. This is a rain or shine event. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Jan. 29. Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Lang Dulay. Dr., Miami Beach. $100. Details: (305) 673-7256 ext. Weavers’ Stories The Lowe Art Museum at the 206 or cbrown@mbgarden.org. University of Miami hosts openBUSINES S ing reception for “Weavers’ Stories from Island Southeast Asia” and lecture with its curator Roy W. Hamilton. 6:30 p.m. lecture. 7:30-9 p.m. reception. Jan. 30.Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami, 1301 Stanford Dr., Coral Gables. Free for members, UM students, faculty and staff. $10 others. RSVP. Details: (305) 284-5587 or rsvp.lowemuseum.org. David Martin of Terra Group.

DINING OUT cont.— ers and chefs. Jan. 30-31. The Fillmore, 1700 Washington Ave, Miami Beach. $49.25 general admission. $67.50 VIP. Details: www. craftspiritsandbeer.com. ALL THINGS PINK

La Nuit en Rosé hosts all things pink event, dedicated entirely to rosé wines and champagne, with a rosé wine pairing dinner. Participating wineries include Château d’Esclans (Provence, France), Château Minuty (Provence, France), Vie Vité (Provence, France), Champagne Pommery (Champagne, France), Val d’Orbieu Americas (South of France), Wines of Rioja (Spain), Wines of Navarra (Spain), Mulderbosch (South

Africa) and Miguel Torres (Chile). Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Forum at The Miami Beach EDITION, 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. $125-$350. Details: http://nuitrose.com/.

EXHIBITS Thursday 1/29 GILLIAN ILES

The Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery at Broward College Central Campus hosts opening reception for “You can only get there from here” and artist lecture with Gillian Iles. The multimedia exhibition combines environmental-scale paintings with sculpture and video, creating both real and illusory space for the viewer to journey through. The work explores the potential of adolescents to

glimpse of historic Palm Island, where Al “Scarface” Capone lived. Tour price includes museum admission. 1-4 p.m. Jan. 31. HistoryMiami, 101 W Flagler St., Miami. $44 members. $54 others. RSVP required. Details: (305) 375-5792 or www.historymiami.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

MUSIC Production of “The Tempest.”

Shakespeare in the Park Galactic.

Hollywood ArtsPark Experience The Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency in partnership with The Rhythm Foundation presents the “Hollywood ArtsPark Experience.” The series kick off will feature live performances by Galactic with the Monophonics as an opening set. 7-11 p.m. Jan. 30. Hollywood ArtsPark, 1 Young Circle, Hollywood. Free. Details: (305) 672-5202 or http:/ /rhythmfoundation.com/ or www.VisitHollywoodFL.org.

The Barnacle Historic State Park and Shakespeare in Miami present “Shakespeare in the Park: The Tempest.” Attendees can bring a picnic and a blanket or a low lawn chair and enjoy the local production. No pets allowed. Chairs available to rent for $5. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30-31. The Barnacle, 3485 Main Highway, Coconut Grove. $2 suggested donation. Details: (305) 442-6866 or www. thebarnacle.org or http://www. shakespearemiami.com.

THEA TER THEATER

OUTDOORS

FILM The cast of Ragtime.

Commercial Real Estate Forum

Marcus & Millichap hosts its “IPA Commercial Real Estate Forum: Florida.” The event will bring together over 500 owners, developers, investors and real estate players. It will also feature six panels, over 30 speakers DINING OUT and networking opportunities. David Martin, president and owner or Terra Group, will deliver the keynote address on “Evolving the Development Process: Community & Importance of Design.” The afternoon keynote will feature Ana-Marie Codina Barlick, CEO of Codina Partners; Michael Berkowitz, Unlimited food and drinks. vice president of Berkowitz Taste of the Garden Development; Matthew The Miami Beach Garden Whitman Lazenby, president and

ing. The festival will bring together cross-media’s leading international creators, thinkers and practitioners from across the fields of film, TV, interactive, online, mobile, gaming, publishing and live events. 7-11 p.m. Jan. 31. Festival runs Feb. 1-8. Miami Light Project Inc., 404 NW 26th St., Wynwood Arts District, Miami. $10. Details: http://www.filmgate.org/parties/ or www.filmgate.org.

Ragtime: The Musical Miami’s colorful criminal past.

Mystery, Mayhem and Vice Crimes Modern and interactive storytelling.

FilmGate Interactive Kick-off FilmGate Interactive hosts kick-off party to begin the fiveday festival that will showcase the latest ideas and innovations of modern storytelling, audience engagement and business practices. The kick off will be an immersive experience featuring everything from interactive DJ sets, dance performances, art installations, to karaoke, Cuban coffee, open bar and salsa dancbecome future agents of change. 6-9 p.m. opening. 7:30 p.m. lecture. Exhibits through Feb. 26. Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery, 3501 SW Davie Rd., building 6, Davie. Free. Details: (954) 201-6984 or aclyman @broward.edu. PURVIS ON PAPER

Miami Dade College’s Museum of Art + Design presents “Purvis on Paper.” The exhibition of works by Purvis Young, from MDC’s permanent collection and part of a gift from collector Richard Levine, showcases the artist’s works on paper that have not been as widely seen as his paintings but express the themes that he worked on during his lifetime: his community and his first-hand experience with life in the streets of Miami. Exhibits through March 6. North

HistoryMiami hosts “Mystery, Mayhem and Vice Crime Coach Tour.” Attendees will hear stories of mobsters, murderers, drug smugglers and bad guys on this coach ride with HistoryMiami historian Paul George. The tour will visit the Miami City Cemetery, Bayfront Park, site of the attempted assassination of President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Coconut Grove home of convicted murderer Joyce Cohen and sites where the original Miami Vice TV series was filmed. The final stop will be the South Beach doorstep of ill-fated designer Gianni Versace, and a Gallery at the Pawley Center, building 5, 11380 NW 27th Ave., Miami. Free. Details: http://www.mdc.edu/ galleries. NATURAL

PASTELS

Futernick Family Art Gallery presents the Natural Pastels Art Exhibit. The exhibition, held in memory of pastel artist Terrie Newman, showcases various levels of experience with artists that show elegant and individual styles with radiant hues adorning each piece. Artists include Sharon Asbel, Dan Bondress, Suzy Breitner, Ginger Diamond, Ken Glick, Myrna Nisonson, Susan Randall, Linda Scott Taylor, Katie Sundby, Susan Thomas, Penny Thurer and Zenaida Wilk. Exhibits through Feb. 21. Futernick Family Art Gallery at the Alper JCC, 11155 SW 112th Ave., The Cross-

The Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents “Ragtime: The Musical.” The play, based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow, is a musical portrait of early 20th century America that tells the tale of a white, uppermiddle-class family, an AfricanAmerican couple and an Eastern European immigrant escaping to America with his daughter, as all confront the contradictions of wealth, poverty, freedom, prejudice, hope and despair in pursuit of the American Dream. 8 p.m. Jan. 29. Additional performances through Feb. 22. Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Details: (305) 444-9293 or www.actorsplayhouse.org. ings. Details: (305) 271-9000 ext. 265 or www.alperjcc.org. OUTSIDER

ART

The National Art Exhibitions by the Mentally Ill presents the second selection of “Outsider Art” from its collection. The exhibition, curated by Daniel Klein, features a catalog with poems by Spanish poet Leopoldo Maria Panero. Exhibits through Feb. 13. Borders Picture Framing Gallery, 1601 SW First St., Miami. Details: naemi@bellsouth.net or www.naem i.org. A FATAL PASS

The Wolfsonian-FIU presents “A Fatal Pass: Entrenchments on the Alpine Front.” The exhibition feature Luca Artioli’s contemporary photographs that capture the visual remains of battle trenches in North-

WEEK OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

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of events EXHIBITS

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ern Italy’s Stelvio Pass. Exhibits through April 5. Wolfsonian-FIU, 1001 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Free. RSVP. Details: (305) 531-1001 or rsvp@thewolf.fiu.edu or www. wolfsonian.org. WEAVERS’ STORIES

The Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami hosts opening reception for “Weavers’ Stories from Island Southeast Asia” and lecture with its curator Roy W. Hamilton. 6:30 p.m. lecture. 7:30-9 p.m. reception. Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami, 1301 Stanford Dr., Coral Gables. Free for members, UM students, faculty and staff. $10 others. RSVP. Details: (305) 284-5587 or rsvp.lowemuseum.org.

FILM

Thursday 1/29 The Tower screens “The Humbling,” by Barry Levinson. The film, based on Phillip Roth’s final novel of the same name, tells of over-the-hill stage actor Simon Axler (Al Pacino) and his struggles to find his passion for life again. Near his breaking point, he finds motivation in the form of a young and lustful lesbian Pegeen Stapleford (Greta Gerwig). 9:15 p.m. Tower Theater, 1508 SW Eighth St., Miami. Details: (305) 642-1264. DEATH IN VENICE

Miami Beach SoundScape Cinema Series and PAXy hosts its first “Are you cinematic?” event featuring a screening of “Death in Venice,” directed by Luchino Visconti. A beach chair or towel is all moviegoers will need to enjoy the film projected onto a 7,000-square-foot wall of the New World Center through a freestanding state-of-the art visual and audio system. 8 p.m. New World Symphony SoundScape, southwest corner of Washington Ave. and 17th St., Miami Beach. Free. Details: (305) 6737577 or www.mbculture.com. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

The Tower screens “The Theory of Everything,” directed by James Marsh. The biographical film tells of astrophysicist Stephen Hawking as he falls in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde. At age 21, he receives a life-threatening diagnosis and, with Jane fighting at his side, Hawking embarks on his most daunting scientific adventure, studying the one thing he has precious little of – time. In English with Spanish subtitles. 6:35 p.m. Tower Theater, 1508 SW Eighth St., Miami. Details: (305) 642-1264.

Tuesday 2/3 CIRCLE

Miami Beach SoundScape Cinema Series screens the 1978 film “The Wiz,” directed by Sidney Lumet. The film stars Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Lena Horne and Richard Pryor. A beach chair or towel is all moviegoers will need to enjoy the film projected onto a 7,000square-foot wall of the New World Center through a freestanding stateof-the art visual and audio system. 8 p.m. New World Symphony SoundScape, southwest corner of Washington Ave. and 17th St., Miami Beach. Free. Details: (305) 673-7577 or www.mbculture.com.

Thursday 2/5

HUMBLING

BROKEN

Wednesday 2/4 THE WIZ

Friday 1/30

THE

Isaacs, founder/programmer and commentator for South Florida’s Café Cinematheque International programs, will introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion. 7 p.m. Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St., Aventura. $11. Details: (800) 745-3000.

BREAKDOWN

The 2014-2015 Foreign Film Series at Aventura Arts & Cultural Center continues with a screening of “The Broken Circle Breakdown,” directed by Felix Van Groeningen. The film follows Elise and Didier as they fall in love at first sight. They bond over their shared enthusiasm for American music and culture, and dive headfirst into a sweeping romance that plays out on and off stage, but when an unexpected tragedy hits their new family, everything they know and love is tested. In Flemish with English subtitles. Shelly

NOTORIOUS

Miami Beach SoundScape Cinema Series screens the 1946 film “Notorious,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock. the film stars Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains and Louis Calhern. A beach chair or towel is all moviegoers will need to enjoy the film projected onto a 7,000-square-foot wall of the New World Center through a freestanding state-of-the art visual and audio system. 8 p.m. New World Symphony SoundScape, southwest corner of Washington Ave. and 17th St., Miami Beach. Free. Details: (305) 673-7577 or www.mbculture.com.

MUSIC CULTURALES

Viernes Culturales hosts its monthly art and culture festival, held the last Friday of each month. The evening will feature live music by Yunta Five Band, Fusion Gitana Dance Troupe and La Candela Orchestra; a history walking tour by Paul George; a book presentation from author Cecilia Fernandez; and gallery exhibits from Carl Craig and Ileana Collazo in the Futurama Building. 711 p.m. Domino Park, SW Eighth St. and SW 15th Ave., Little Havana. Details: (305) 643-5500 or www. viernesculturales.org.

CHILDREN’S

MENUDO

In Miami Productions presents “EL REENCUENTRO: Together Again.” The concert will feature the founding members of the band Menudo, Charlie Masso, Ray Reyes, Miguel Cancel, Johnny Lozada, Ricky Melendez and Rene Farrait. 8 p.m. James L Knight Center, 400 SE Second Ave., Miami. $62.35-$88.90. Details: http:// www.ticketmaster.com/ElReencuentro-tickets/artist/929326.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Thursday 1/29

TRUST

The Children’s Trust meets with the Finance and Operations Committee. 9:30 a.m. The Children’s Trust, conference room A, 8th floor, 3150 SW Third Ave., Miami. Details: (305) 571-5700. COMMEMORATIVE

TRUST

The Children’s Trust meets with the Programs and Childhood Health Committee. 4 p.m. United Way, Ansin Building Ryder Room, 3250 SW Third Ave., Miami. Details: (305) 5715700. LOAN COMMITTEE

The Housing and Commercial Loan Committee meets. 9 a.m. Miami City Hall, commission chambers, 3500 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove. Details: (305) 416-1976. RETIREMENT

The General Employees and Sanitation Employees Retirement Trust meets. 9 a.m. GESE Trust Office, 2901 Bridgeport Ave., Coconut Grove. Details: (305) 579-6372. TRUST

The Virginia Key Beach Park Trust meets with the Board of Trustees.6 p.m. Miami City Hall, commission chambers, 3500 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove. Details: (305) 9604603.

Tuesday 2/3 COUNTY

COMMISSIONERS

The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners meets. 9:30 a.m. Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW First St., second floor commission chambers, Miami. Details: (305) 375-2035. SERVICE

The Civil Service Board meets. 1 p.m. Miami City Hall, chambers, 3500 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove. Details: (305) 416-2020. HISTORIC

PRESERVATION

The Historic and Environmental Preservation Board meets. 3 p.m. Miami City Hall, commission chambers, 3500 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove. Details: (305) 416-1453.

Wednesday 2/4 AGRICULTURAL

ADVISORY

The Agricultural Practices Advisory Board meets. 9 a.m. John D. Campbell Agricultural Center, auditorium, 18710 SW 288th St., Homestead. Details: (305) 375-2835.

CEREMONY

The Foster & Adoptive Parent

The Comprehensive Development Master Plan Committee meets. 9:30 a.m. Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW First St., second floor commission chambers, Miami. Details: (305) 375-1293. WOMEN’S STATUS

The Commission on the Status of Women meets. 6 p.m. Miami City Hall, staff room, 3500 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove. Details: (305) 416-1990. DOWNTOWN

DEVELOPMENT

Miami’s Downtown Development Authority’s Marketing & Economic Development Committee meets. 9 a.m. Downtown Development Authority, 200 S Biscayne Blvd., suite 2929, Miami. Details: (305) 5796675. LABOR

P LAN

WORLD STRATEGIC FORUM

The International Economic Forum of the Americas hosts “The Miami World Strategic Forum” under the general theme of “Engineering The Resilient Economy.” Confirmed speakers include José Miguel Insulza, secretary general of the Organization of American States; Fred Hochberg, chairman and president of the Export-Import Bank of the United States; and Enrique García Rodríguez, president and CEO of the Development Bank of Latin America. April 13-14. Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables. Details: http://forum-americas.org/.

MB CHAMBER GALA

The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts its 93rd annual dinner gala and silent auction. May 9. Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Details: (305) 674-1300 or www.miamibeachchamber.com.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

The Bass Museum of Art hosts its annual fundraiser “A Night at the Museum.” 8 p.m. March 11. Bass Museum of Art, 2100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. $125. Details:

NEGOTIATIONS

The Labor Negotiations between IAFF Local 587 and the City of Miami take place. 9:30 a.m. Miami City Hall, city manager’s conference room,

(305) 673-7530, ext. 9-1018 or NATM@bassmuseum.org.

HEARTS & STARS

The Little Lighthouse Foundation hosts its “Hearts & Stars Gala 2015: Casablanca.” March 14. Bill Dean’s Terra Veritatis, 4949 Pine Tree Dr., Miami Beach. $175. early bird. Details: (305) 417-8553 or reed@ thelittlelighthouse.org or www.hearts andstarsgala.com.

MERCURY BALL

South Miami Hospital hosts its 55th Mercury Ball to benefit the expansion of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 6 p.m. March 7. JW Marriott Marquis Miami, 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, downtown Miami. $500. Details: (786) 467-5400 or events @BaptistHealth.net.

HUMANITARIAN GALA

The Miami Coalition of Christians and Jews hosts its Humanitarian Gala Awards Dinner in celebration of its 80th year in South Florida. 7:30 p.m. March 7. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, downtown Miami. Details: (305) 755-6096 ext. 16 or Roberta@ MiamiCCJ.org.

MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS WAGE CONFERENCE The Hudson Event Group/American Conference Institute holds 2015 “ACI Wage & Hour Conference.” About 100 attendees expected. Runs Jan. 28-29. Viceroy Miami, 485 Brickell Ave., Miami. Details: www.hudsoneventgroup.com. The Technology Marketing Corp holds 2015 “IT EXPO.” About 8,000 attendees expected. Runs Jan. 28-30. Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach. Details: www.tmcnet.com.

CARDIOVASCULAR ADVANCES

The Cardiovascular Research Foundation hosts “Advances in

Monday 2/2 BEACH

IT EXPO

Friday 1/30 SANITATION

DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Saturday 1/31

CHILDREN’S

Commemorative Ceremony takes place. Noon. Board of County Commission Chambers, 111 NW First St., Miami.

CIVIL

Friday 1/30 VIERNES

This is a calendar of selected events in Greater Miami for the week beginning Thursday, January 29, 2015. Information must be received in writing two weeks before the event. Include costs, details, relevant phone numbers and photos if possible. Send to: Miami Today Calendar Attention Jennifer Lima 2000 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33133 E-mail: calendar@miamitodaynews.com

Hemodynamic Support” event. About 175 attendees expected. Runs Jan. 2931. Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Details: www.crf.org.

AMWAY EVENT Amway holds 2015 “eFinity” event. About 550 attendees expected. Runs Jan. 29Feb. 1. Hyatt Regency Miami, 400 SE Second Ave., Miami. Details: www. amway.com.

SALES MEETING

Illumina Inc. holds its 2015 “Global Sales Meeting.” About 525 attendees expected. Runs Jan. 29-Feb. 7. Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Details: www.illumina.com.

SOURCE: GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

3500 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove. Details: (305) 250-5360.

The Off-Street Parking Board’s Finance Committee meets. 8:30 a.m. Miami Parking Authority, Courthouse Center Garage, 40 NW Third St., suite 1103, Miami. Details: (305) 373-6789 ext. 242.

it worth?” Participants will find out what their antiques are worth as they meet with appraisers from Skinner for a complimentary verbal assessment of antiques, jewelry, fine art, silver or other collectibles. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of any items consigned at this event will benefit the Coral Gables Museum. Advance appointments available. 17 p.m. Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Free. Details: (305) 603-8067 or www. coralgablesmuseum.org or www. Skinnerinc.com.

ZONING & APPEALS

CLEARED TO LAND

OFF-STREET

PARKING

Miami’s Off-Street Parking Board meets. 8:45 a.m. Miami Parking Authority, Courthouse Center Garage, 40 NW Third St., suite 1103, Miami. Details: (305) 373-6789 ext. 242. OFF-STREET

PARKING

Miami’s Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board meets. 6:30 p.m. Miami City Hall, commission chambers, 3500 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove. Details: (305) 416-2037.

Thursday 2/5 CODE ENFORCEMENT

Miami’s Code Enforcement Board meets. 5 p.m. Miami City Hall, commission chambers, 3500 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove. Details: (305) 416-2037. DOWNTOWN

DEVELOPMENT

Miami’s Downtown Development Authority’s Urban Design Committee meets. 4 p.m. Downtown Development Authority, 200 S Biscayne Blvd., suite 2929, Miami. Details: (305) 579-6675. DOWNTOWN

DEVELOPMENT

Miami’s Downtown Development Authority’s Service Delivery Program Committee meets. 9 a.m. Downtown Development Authority, 200 S Biscayne Blvd., suite 2929, Miami. Details: (305) 579-6675. POLICE

RETIREMENT

The Fire Fighters and Police Officers Retirement Trust meets for investment review. 8:30 a.m. Fire Fighters & Police Retirement Trust, 1895 SW Third Ave., Miami. Details: (3050 858-6006 ext. 13.

SPECIAL EVENTS Thursday 1/29 WHAT’S IT WORTH?

The Coral Gables Museum and Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers host antique appraisal day “What’s

The University of Miami’s Special Collections hosts “Cleared to Land,” a Pan Am celebration. The event will feature a reception to celebrate the completion of a two-year effort in improving access to the department’s popular Pan Am Records. The program will include a runway performance by World Wings International Inc., the philanthropic organization of former Pan Am flight attendants, and a fashion show wearing the storied Pan Am uniforms. 7:30 p.m. University of Miami, Robert and Judi Prokop Newman Alumni Center, 6200 San Amaro Dr., Coral Gables. Free. Details: http://library.miami.edu/special collections/mosaic/. FULLY

COMMITTED

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents “Fully Committed.” The one-man show features John Manzelli as the high-strung maitre ‘d and 39 other desperate diners as they resort to threats, bribes, namedropping, name-calling and downright begging for that all-important reservation at a posh new restaurant in Manhattan. Attendees should arrive one hour before the performance and enjoy drinks and a modern menu of tapasstyle plates with table service. 7:30 p.m. Additional performances through Feb. 1. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Abdo New River Room, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. $45. Details: (954) 462-0222 or www. browardcenter.org.

Saturday 1/31 MIAMI CITY BALLET GALA

The Miami City Ballet hosts its

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annual gala. The gala will celebrate 29 years of dance, new works and world premieres and feature a one-night-only performance art installation created by the dancers of Miami City Ballet. Location to be determined. Details: (305) 929-7000 ext. 1400 or Eva@MiamiCityBallet.org. GREAT GATSBY BALL

The Prestige Club hosts annual ball themed “Great Gatsby” and featuring the sounds of the Bobby Rodriguez Orchestra. 7-11 p.m. Signature Grand, 6900 W State Road 84, Davie. Details: https://www.prestigeclub.org

Monday 2/2 KNIGHT ARTS CHALLENGE

Knight Arts Challenge South Florida hosts series community Q&A sessions around town. The sessions will offer tips on creating a standout application, information on the challenge timeline and more. Feb. 2-5. Times and locations vary. Details: www.knightarts.org.

Tuesday 2/3 THE MAIN EVENT

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation presents “The Main Event.” As the foundation’s largest annual com-

munity gathering, the event raises funds for the annual federation/UJA Campaign to help Jewish people in need in Miami, in Israel and in more than 70 other countries around the world. 5:30 p.m. Hilton Miami Downtown, 1601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Details: (786) 866-8438 or www.JewishMiami.org.

ceeds go toward STAMP Miami’s project benefiting HistoryMiami. Tickets include two complimentary drink tickets. 7-8 p.m. networking. 8 p.m. trivia. John Martin’s Irish Pub, 253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. $15. Details: stampmiami36@gmail.com or www.Facebook.com/StampMiami. FRIENDSHIP

DINNER

The Atlantic Institute hosts “ Friendship Dinner: Toward an IslamoChristian Theology of Cross-Cultural Living.” The evening will include a reception, dinner and talk by the keynote speaker Scott C. Alexander, associate professor of Islamic studies and director of the Catholic-Muslim studies program at Catholic Theological Union. 7 p.m. SOHO Venue, 3861 Stirling Rd., Hollywood. $40. Details: (786) 505-4830 or miami@theatlantic institute.org.

SPORTS

Friday 1/30

Wednesday 2/4 WINE, WOMEN & SHOES

Sergio Rossi hosts the fourth annual “Wine, Women & Shoes” to benefit the Miami Children’s Hospital. The event provides an opportunity for women of all generations to slip into their stilettos and join together for shopping and fun with the common purpose. The evening includes wine tastings, a silent auction, a fashion marketplace and a fashion show. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. JW Marriott Marquis Miami, 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami. Details: http://www.winewomenandshoes.com/ miami.

Thursday 2/5 NETWORKING & TRIVIA

Leadership Miami team STAMP Miami, in collaboration with HistoryMiami, hosts happy hour networking event and trivia night. The HistoryMiami themed trivia will include teams of up to eight participants competing for prizes. All pro-

MIAMI HEAT

The Miami Heat takes on the Dallas Mavericks. 8 p.m. American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. $10-$400. Details: www.nba. com/heat.

THEA TER THEATER

Thursday 1/29 CHOIR BOY

Gables Stage presents the southeastern premiere of “Choir Boy,” by Tarell Alvin McCraney. The play takes place at the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, a school dedicated to the creation of strong, ethical black men. When a young man is named leader of their celebrated gospel choir, the sweet harmonies of classical spirituals contrast with the bristling tensions that arise. A musicfilled story of masculinity, tradition, coming of age and speaking your truth. 8 p.m. Additional performances

through Feb. 22. GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables. $55. Details: (305) 446-1116 or www. gablestage.org. THE LION KING

Broadway Across America and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts present Disney’s “The Lion King.” The musical, brought to life by director Julie Taymor, will feature songs from Elton John and Tim Rice including “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” 8 p.m. Additional performances through Feb. 1. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Au-Rene Theater, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. $36.75 and up. Details: (954) 4620222 or www.browardcenter.org. RAGTIME

The Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents “Ragtime: The Musical.” The play, based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow, is a musical portrait of early 20th century America that tells the tale of a white, uppermiddle-class family, an AfricanAmerican couple and an Eastern European immigrant escaping to America with his daughter, as all confront the contradictions of wealth, poverty, freedom, prejudice, hope and despair in pursuit of the American Dream. 8 p.m. Additional performances through Feb. 22. Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Details: (305) 444-9293 or www.actors playhouse.org.

Friday 1/30 CAPITOL STEPS

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center presents Madcap comedy troupe’s “Capitol Steps.” The musical comedy satirizes all things political with show tunes by figures such as Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Chris Christie in a classical ballet. 8 p.m. Additional performances through Feb. 1. Aventura Arts &

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Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St., Aventura. $35. Details: (877) 3117469 or www.aventuracenter.org.

Tuesday 2/3 NEWSIES

Broadway Across America and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County present Disney’s “Newsies.” The 2012 Tony award-winning musical for best chorography and score is set in New York City at the turn of the century. Inspired by the real life newsboy strike of 1899, it follows Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged ‘newsies,’ who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies “newsies” from across the city to strike for what’s right. 8 p.m. opening night. Additional performances through Feb. 8. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of MiamiDade County, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Ziff Ballet Opera House, Miami. $26 and up. Details: (305) 949-6722 or www.arshtcenter.org.

Thursday 2/5 STARS OF DAVID

The Fillmore Miami Beach presents “Stars of David: Story to Song,” directed by Gordon Greenberg. The musical revue, based on the bestselling book by Abigail Pogrebin, features original songs by composers and lyricists of the theatre and celebrates the identity of some of the most well know Jewish personalities. 7:30 p.m. Additional performances through Feb. 8. Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater Room/Backstage, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Details: www.starsofdavidsongs.com.

MIAMI TODAY

WEEK OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015