Oleta State Park gets new, eco-friendly butterfly garden, outdoor classroom from FIU NORTH MIAMI-DADE FIU architecture students led by Landscape Architecture Professor Robert Rovira and Architecture Professor Nick Gelpi recently unveiled their design of a new butterfly garden at Oleta River Park in North Miami Beach. Unlike many other public butterfly gardens in South Florida, this one features a new, permeable aggregate material—dubbed as Mineralized Wood Concrete (MWC). The butterfly garden at Oleta also serves as an outdoor classroom for local schools. MWC is in its research and development stage, highly-sustainable and made from mineralized Melaleuca wood, which is typically known for being an invasive species in the Florida Everglades. Supported by industry sponsors Michigan-based Allied Metals Corporation and Belgian concrete company Prefer, the FIU team researched and invented applications and designs for MWC. FIU students studied how MWC affects the interaction with the general public and with South Florida’s native butterfly population. The students were provided with access to 20,000 pounds of this raw material, and turned it into a series of walls, planters, benches, and walkable permeable pavers. The permeability of MWC allows water to flow right through it, instead of creating puddles; it is also more lightweight than standard concrete.
Parking remains a major issue for Hollywood Beach By Larry Blustein sfsuntimes@aol.com HOLLYWOOD - As Christmas and the new year are upon us, the biggest fear for Hollywood Beach businesses was the parking - or lack of it. With construction beginning on the 349room Margaritaville Beach Resort in July and other projects popping up along Ocean Drive and A1A - city officials and existing businesses knew that when December, Janu–––––––––––––––––––––– PARKING, Page 3A
Check any of the side streets that border the the Margaritaville project and you will find limited parking spaces available.
• With construction beginning on the 349-room Margaritaville Beach Resort in July - city officials knew parking would be a problem
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‘World’s largest’ Cuban sandwich highlights inaugural Hispanic Fest
Seaside Retirement Resort continues to set standards
• Kiwanis Club of Hallandale Beach hosts record-breaking event on Feb. 1 By Larry Blustein sfsuntimes@aol.com There have been many city officials over the years who have done their part to elevate the City of Hallandale Beach. But nobody has done more to promote the cultural landscape of the community more than current Commissioner Bill Julian. A lifelong resident of this community, Julian knows every street, shortcut and neighborhood. No elected official has ever met the needs of every resident like Julian.
One of the unique parts of this year's inaugural gathering will feature an attempt at assembling the world's largest Cuban Sandwich which will be put together by local Hispanic restaurants.
His never-ending quest to host events that bring the entire city together has made him one –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HISPANIC, Page 3A
KODNER GALLERIES - DANIA Kodner Galleries has become a 4th generation auction business with over 90 years of experience in buying, selling, appraising and consigning for sale antiques, fine household contents, works of art and diamonds. For more on this quality business, 2A.
You have worked hard your entire life. Getting up before the sun and going to sleep - way after the skies darkened. Don't you think you owe yourself something special when you retire and get that much deserved relaxation? The staff and management at Seaside Retirement Resort certainly believe that you do - and that's why they have come up with the perfect living facility. One that is not only relaxing, but first class in every way.
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• This facility, across the street from the ocean, offers Oasis Independent Living for mature adults who are ready to live life to the fullest
HALLANDALE BEACH Hallandale Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguards pulled 70 swimmers from the surf in the 12-month period from Nov. 30, 2012, through Nov. 30, 2013; all survived. The statistics are the first comprehensive annual assessment of the success. Page 2D.
1ST PRIORITY RESTORATION It doesn’t take much time for a water leak to do extensive damage to your home or business. In fact, it can happen just hours after the leak occurs. 1st Priority a licensed building contractor for mold remediation can help. For more info continue reading Page 1D.