Wednesday, September 5, 2007
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CONTENTS:
Budget Hearings Scheduled For September 11 & 25
Court Of Appeals Finds City Truck Ordinance Unconstitutional
Property Owners May Be Liable For Dangerous Sidewalks/Swale Areas
Coral Gables Bridges Are Safe
September Is Firefighter Appreciation Month
Give A Helping Hand For A Great Cause
Support The Coral Gables Citizens Crime Watch
Listen to Gables Radio 1620 AM
How Do We Communicate? Please Give Us Your Feedback
Traffic
Events Roundup
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Budget Hearings Scheduled For September 11 & 25
>>> The public is invited to attend the upcoming
Budget Public Hearings scheduled for September 11 and September 25, beginning after 5 p.m. at
City Hall Commission Chambers, 405 Biltmore Way, on the second floor. City Manager David L. Brown
will present to City Commission a proposed budget for fiscal year 2007-2008 which begins October
1, 2007 through September 30, 2008. The property tax reform law recently approved by the State
Legislature mandates a reduction on the City’s property taxes presenting a challenging task of reducing local government spending
without affecting the level of services provided to the public. Among the yearly priorities for the
City Commission are to improve communications, initiate friendlier services for the public, improve
employee performance and advance the City’s financial position. The budget proposed by City
Administration requires final approval by the City Commission.
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Court Of Appeals Finds City Truck Ordinance Unconstitutional
>>> The Third District Court of Appeals has issued
an opinion finding the City’s truck ordinance unconstitutional. Lowell Joseph Kuvin contested
the City’s ordinance after being fined for parking an open bed pickup truck in front of his
residence at night. The City of Coral Gables ordinance prohibits parking trucks, trailers, commercial
vehicles, and recreational vehicles anywhere at any time in a residential area or on a public street
between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Section 8-11 of the Code creates a “garage exception” wherein
trucks and other prohibited vehicles can be parked in the City so long as the prohibited vehicle
is entirely enclosed within the confines of an enclosed garage. The City is planning to appeal
this decision and request a motion for rehearing.
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Property Owners May Be Liable For Dangerous Sidewalks/Swale Areas
>>> If you are a property owner in Coral Gables and
have contributed to, or have caused, a dangerous condition on the sidewalk or swale area, you may
be liable for injuries sustained by third parties. An ordinance recently amended sections of the City
Code to meet Florida law requirements providing a third party or the City of Coral Gables an avenue
to seek compensation from a property owner which may have caused or contributed to the dangerous condition.
Examples of situations where the private cause or action would apply includes landscapers or contractors
who crack the sidewalk while doing work on the property or leave holes in the swale areas, or property
owners removing a mailbox creating a hole in the swale.
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Coral Gables Bridges Are Safe
>>> The deadly bridge collapse that occurred in Minneapolis
last month may have the public wary about driving over bridges in Coral Gables. The City does not
have large or high bridges; nonetheless, all of bridges are inspected every two years. Out of 18 bridges
in Coral Gables, 11 are maintained by the City. The bridges are located on Alhambra Circle, Granada
Boulevard, Cocoplum Boulevard, eastbound Cocoplum Road over Lago Monaco, Granada Mahi Canal, Hardee
Road, Isla Dorada, Lugo Avenue, Prado Boulevard, Pisano Avenue and Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Miami-Dade
County maintains bridges on Blue Road, Matheson Hammock, Maynada Street and Old Cutler Road while
the State of Florida maintains Bird Road, Le Jeune Road and US 1 bridges. Inspection on all those
bridges was recently completed, with all bridges rating above 64 points on a scale of 100. Bridges
that receive a rating of 50 or higher are considered to be safe and in good condition.
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September Is Firefighter Appreciation Month
>>> The City of Coral Gables is honoring the men and
woman who are willing to put their lives on the line for the wellbeing of its citizens. To recognize
the work firefighters do to keep people safe, the City Commission declared the month of September
as Firefighter Appreciation Month. September is very significant and poignant for firefighters throughout
the nation as it marks the anniversary of the terrorist tragedies that occurred on September 11th
on U.S. soil. That unfortunate day, 343 firefighters died while on duty rushing into the burning and
crumbling World Trade Center Towers to save people trapped by flames and overcome by smoke. Many Coral
Gables firefighters traveled to New York in the days and weeks after 9-11 to assist in the recovery
efforts. Coral Gables firefighters are highly trained individuals equipped with state-of-the-art technology
and ready to help whether it is something as simple as taking your blood pressure or dangerous as
evacuating a loved one from a burning home. The next time you see a firefighter, take notice and make
sure to thank them for keeping our City safe.
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Give A Helping Hand For A Great Cause
>>> Building homes for low-income families in
the area is a great way to show that you care for the community — and that is exactly what
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami is doing. More than 600 homes have been built throughout
Miami-Dade helping hundreds of low-income families to have a place to live. Now the City of Coral
Gables is looking to recruit volunteers to partner in this great cause. A “Coral Gables
Day” is in the planning
stages for early next year to find willing residents, members of the business community and City
employees who will donate time to help out at one of Habitat’s construction worksites. If
you are interested in volunteering for Habitat For Humanity on a Saturday in January or February
of 2008, please send an e-mail now to mpinero@coralgables.com.
Additional details of the volunteer day will be posted in future e-News.
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Support The Coral Gables Citizens Crime Watch
>>> Founded in 1980, the Coral Gables Citizens’ Crime
Watch is a not-for-profit organization created to educate the citizens of Coral Gables about crime
prevention, personal safety, homeland security and fire prevention. On Friday, October 19, at noon,
show your support by attending the organization’s Annual Awards Luncheon at the Country Club
of Coral Gables, 997 North Greenway Drive. Guest Speaker will be State Attorney Katherine Fernandez
Rundle. Proceeds of the event will go toward crime watch programs in the community. Working in cooperation
with the Coral Gables Police and Fire Departments, Crime Watch organizes neighborhood groups to prevent
crime. The success of the program depends on the active participation and responsibility that citizens
take to protect property and themselves. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets
for the luncheon are $35 per person and reservations are required in advance. For more information,
contact Pat Kiel at 305-441-5760.
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Listen to Gables Radio 1620 AM
>>> If you’re driving around the City Beautiful,
don’t forget to tune to 1620AM to listen to the latest news and information about the City
of Coral Gables. Every week you can get updates of what is happening around town, such as government
news, traffic updates and special events coming up. You can also listen to the history of Coral
Gables, from the Merrick times to now. Listen to GABLES Radio 1620 AM, the new voice of Coral Gables.
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How Do We Communicate? Please Give Us Your Feedback
>>> The City of Coral Gables would like to know
what you think about its communication program and vehicles. To participate, simply log on to
the City’s
homepage and complete the on-line survey titled “How Do We Communicate?” The information
gathered will help the City evaluate the effectiveness of all external communications. To go
directly to the survey, click here.
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Traffic
>>> Le Jeune Road between S.W. 16 Street
and South Dixie Highway: As this project
is being finalized, drivers may notice fewer road closures, however intermittent lane closures
may be possible daily (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) at various locations between S.W. 16th Street
and S. Dixie Highway/US-1 while workers complete minor roadway improvements that include concrete,
signalization and paving work. Lanes on adjacent side streets will also be affected by this work.
Please note that at least one lane will remain open at all times. Access to residences and businesses
will be maintained and motorists will be allowed to turn left at major intersections. For more
information, please contact Carlos Sarmiento at 305-499-2410 or via email at carlos.sarmiento@dot.state.fl.us.
> Hardee
Road Traffic Circles: Three traffic circles are being installed
on Hardee Road at the intersection of Maynada Street, Granada Boulevard and Riviera Drive. The
Granada Boulevard circle is close to completion. Riviera Drive is the next intersection scheduled
for construction. Work on the circles will occur Monday through Friday during businesses hours
unless otherwise noted. Intermittent lane closures in the area may be necessary in the following
weeks. Please plan accordingly.
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Events Roundup
>>> Here is a partial list of upcoming cultural
events in Coral Gables. Please call ahead to confirm, as dates and times may change. For a complete
list of events in Coral Gables, click
here.
Ongoing: The historic Merrick House, the family home of Coral Gables
founder George Merrick, is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays for tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m.,
and 3 p.m. The tour of this charming home built of coral rock, still home to the artwork and early
possessions of the Merrick family, lasts about 45 minutes. Tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for senior
citizens (ages 65+) and students with ID; $1 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5
and under. The Merrick House, a remarkable example of South Florida architecture, is located at 907
Coral Way. For more information, call 305-460-5095.
First Friday of The Month: Art lovers flock to Coral Gables the first Friday of
every month for Gallery Night. Boasting dozens of galleries, Coral Gables is the
premier destination for art and cultural events. The City offers free trolley service to most of
the galleries locations from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some galleries may feature musicians for your entertainment.
For a list of art galleries in Coral Gables, click
here.
Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays: Promote relaxation after a hard days work with
the gentle postures and breathing techniques of Yoga. Basic Yoga is offered at the
Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays
from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Create harmony in your body, mind and spirit. Members pay $11 for
a single class or $41 for four classes, residents pay $15 per class or $55 for four classes, and
non-residents pay $19 per class or $69 for four classes. The Youth Center is located at 405 University
Drive. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
Mondays: The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center is offering a special yoga class
just for seniors. Yoga for Seniors is meant to build strength, flexibility, balance
and coordination in the older generation. The class is held on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
in the classroom next to the Fitness Center. Wear comfortable clothing, don’t eat two hours
prior to the class and bring a towel. Registration is required at the front desk before attending
the class. The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. Classes
cost $11 for members or $41 for a series of four classes. Residents pay $15 per class or $55 for
four classes. Non-residents pay $19 a class or $69 for four classes. Call 305-460-5600 for more information.
September 5 - 15: It holds the world record for the longest running musical and now
you get to see why so many people have fallen in love with this production. The Fantasticks opens
the 2007 - 2008 Season at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre with its classic coming of age story. The musical
is showing Wednesdays through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 pm. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The
cost of tickets for weeknights and matinees is $18 for adults and $16 for seniors; Friday and Saturday
nights, adults pay $20 and seniors pay $18. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Box
Office at 305-284-3355. The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre is located at 1312 Miller Drive.
September 6, 13, 20 & 27: Every month enjoy a different performer poolside at the Biltmore Hotel. Every Thursday for the month of September, the band The Square Egg will perform live at 7 p.m. The band mixes funk, hip-hop, jazz and R&B to create its own style. Gather at the Cascade Poolside Bar and Grill for this live performance. The Biltmore Hotel is located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue. For more information, call 305-445-1926.
September 8: Learn how to cook delectable dishes from the experts. The Biltmore Hotel will be hosting an Interactive Culinary Demonstration and Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Luncheon. Gaetano Ascione, the Executive Chef at the 1200 Courtyard Grill, will not only demonstrate some valuable techniques but will also prepare a luncheon complete with Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne. The event takes place at 12 p.m. at the Country Club Ballroom located in the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. Cellar Club and Premier Members pay $48, non-members pay $60. Make your reservations by calling 305-913-3203.
September 8: Learn how to prepare delicious Italian dishes from a native Italian. A new Italian Cooking Series will begin on September 8th at La Cuisine Gourmet and will be held for four consecutive Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The courses are being offered by the Italian Cultural Center and taught by its director Chef Claudio Pastor. The dishes will be paired with great Italian wines for your tasting. The price for the four sessions is $220. For more information or to sign up, call 305-336-3566. La Cuisine Gourmet is located at 50 Aragon Avenue.
September 8: It’s time for the Annual Junior Orange Bowl Fundraising Auction & Dinner! The theme this year is Carnaval, so come dressed in your island-casual attire for a night of dinner, dancing and donations. A silent auction will feature 7-night cruises, luxurious hotel stays, fine dining certificates, fishing charters, wine tastings and many more unexpected surprises. The event is taking place at the Coral Gables Hyatt Regency, 50 Alhambra Plaza, starting at 6:30 p.m. The cost of admission is $60. For more information or to make reservations, call the Junior Orange Bowl at 305-662-1210.
September 9: The Miami Pioneers / Natives of Dade Club has rescheduled its meeting
due to the Labor Day Holiday. The meeting will now take place on Sunday, September 9th at 2 p.m.
at the Central Christian Church of Coral Gables. Guest speaker Dr. Richard McCormick will describe
what life was like in the early years of Miami and Miami-Dade County. The public is invited to
attend. The church is located at 222 Menores Avenue.
September 10: Spend a Monday
afternoon laughing with other seniors. The comedy film “RV” starring
actor Robin Williams will be playing at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at University
Baptist Church as part of Movie Day. In the movie, Williams persuades his family to cancel their
Hawaiian vacation for a road trip in the family RV. The movie starts at 1 p.m. at the Coral Gables
Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue. Refreshments will be
served and the event is free.
September 11 Through December: Dance your way to fitness with light
and easy routines from Broadway shows at Almost Broadway, free dance classes of
Charleston, swing, waltz, blues, jazz, rock, tango, jive and boogie-woogie. Classes are offered
at St. Philip’s Church, 1142
Coral Way on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. No registration required,
but wear comfortable shoes, leather soled shoes or socks. For more information, call Nichole
at St. Philip’s at 305-444-6176.
September 11, 12 & 25: Tuesday nights at the Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill are all about unwinding with the sounds and flavors of Cuba. The Biltmore Hotel presents Havana Nights from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. right at the edge of the hotel’s famous 700,000 gallon swimming pool. The Biltmore Hotel is located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue. For more information, call 305-445-1926.
September 13: The City of Coral Gables and Florida Atlantic University’s Small Business Development Center have partnered to bring Coral Gables small business owners a series of seminars. The first seminar, How to Write a Business Plan, will offer step-by-step instructions on how to write a business plan. This class will be held at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center located at 405 University Drive from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at a cost of $50. To register for the seminar or for more information, contact Jessica Wotherspoon by calling 305-460-5314 or by email at jwotherspoon@coralgables.com.
September 14: The Italian Cultural Center wants you to feel confident when selecting wine for a meal. Learn about, and taste a wide variety of wines from the following selection: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sherry, Port and Madeira and sample Champagne. Each of the five Wine Tasting Classes, scheduled for Fridays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., will be held at La Cuisine Gourmet, 50 Aragon Avenue. At each class, there will be a specific cheese or other match that will compliment the wine. The cost of the five sessions, being taught by Professor Steve Stein, is $260. For more information or to register for the classes, call 305-859-9559.
September 15: The Coral Gables Police Department Marine Patrol Unit is offering a Boating Safety Course this summer. Florida State Statue requires persons 21 years of age or younger to complete an approved Boating Safety Course and carry proof when operating a vessel with an engine greater than 10 horsepower. The course being offered at the Cocoplum Yacht Club located at 6500 Prado Boulevard would satisfy this requirement. The cost of the course is $10 and checks must be made payable to Coral Gables Citizens’ Crime Watch. Class starts at 8 a.m. and lunch is included in the price. Register early for this class by calling 305-460-5401.
September 15 & 16: Catch the International Aroid Society
Show and Sale at
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The Garden House at Fairchild is where you’ll be able
to learn more about aroids from a comprehensive display while experts provide advice on how to
select the right one for you. Vendors will also be on hand with a beautiful selection of aroids.
The show and sale will start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. on both days. Admission to Fairchild,
10901 Old Cutler Road, costs $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for children 6 through 17
years of age. For more information, call 305-667-1651.
September 16: Sunday Afternoons
of Music starts its 27th Season with internationally acclaimed master violinist Aaron Rosand.
His unique, romantic and personal style shines through with Robert Koenig on the piano. The concert
will take place at 4 p.m. at the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall at the Phillip and Patricia Frost
School of Music located in the University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive. Tickets cost $40 for adults,
$32 for seniors, and $10 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-271-7150
or click
here.
September 17: Join fellow seniors on Monday to watch the beautiful timeless 1961 film “Breakfast
at Tiffany’s.” Bring your friends to the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center
at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue, at 1 p.m. to view this classic movie for
free. For more information, call 305-460-5609.
September 18: Savor the Caribbean’s finest in flavor and culture at the Biltmore Hotel’s Caribbean Cocktail Party. The event will feature rum from Trinidad & Tobago and a photography exhibit by Cuban artist Yamila Lomba. The cocktail party starts at 7 p.m. at the Country Club Ballroom and lasts until 8:30 p.m. There are no fees for Cellar Club and Premier members, non-members pay $20. The Biltmore is located at 1200 Anastasia. For more information, call 305-913-3203.
September 18: The University of Miami Center on Aging is hosting an “Isabelle Gadsby Lectureship on Positive Aging.” The topic for this lecture is Health and Longevity to Create Wealth. Dr. Robert N. Butler, President & CEO of the International Longevity Center in New York will be speaking on the subject to seniors at the Bank United Center from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Dr. Butler is a Pulitzer prize winning author and former head of the National Institute on Aging. Lunch will be served. The lecture is taking place in Hurricane Room 100 of the Bank United Center, 1245 Dauer Drive, which is located on the University of Miami Coral Gables Campus. Make your reservations for this free event by calling 305-355-9081 or by email at spurcell@med.miami.edu.
September 20: Come join us as we cheer on the home team, the Florida Marlins, as they take on the New York Mets. All seats will be in the air conditioned Club B level. A bus will depart to the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center heading to Dolphin Stadium at 5:30 p.m. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. and the bus returns at 11:30 p.m. Residents pay $32 total for the trip; non-residents pay $38. Reserve your seat by today. For more information, call 305-460-5609.
September 21: At the next Lunch & Lecture series for seniors, learn how
to Protect Your Money. Experts from the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
will provide seniors very useful information on how to protect financial assets. The information
provided is specific to seniors. SEC representatives will be present to answer questions. Enjoy
a free lunch at 11:30 a.m. before the lecture begins at noon. This event will take place at the
Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue. Please reserve
your seat by September 19. For more information, call 305-460-5609.
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