Wednesday, October 3, 2007
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CONTENTS:City Commission Approves 5.250 Millage Tax Rate
Public Hearings Of Budget Reform Commission Coming To Town
City Mails Annual Report To Residents
Biltmore Golf Course Reopens October 15
Coral Gables Retail Real Estate Report
Pop Icon Roy Lichtenstein Coming To Fairchild
Time To Pick Up Your Halloween Costume
Nominate A Chamber Business For The Diamond Awards
How Do We Communicate?
Traffic
Events Roundup
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
City Commission Approves 5.250 Millage Tax Rate >>> After two budget workshops and two budget public hearings, the Coral Gables City Commission approved a reduced millage tax rate of 5.250, lowering the cost of property taxes to local homeowners as mandated by the Florida Legislature. Based on an average assessed value of $552,559, with a homestead exemption of $25,000, Coral Gables property owners will pay approximately $2,770 in taxes, a reduction of about $475 from last year’s millage tax rate of 6.150 based on an assessed average value of $552,000. The new millage rate will produce an estimated $66 million in property tax revenue, approximately $3.7 million less than last year. The last time the City of Coral Gables had a similar millage tax rate of 5.250 was in 1995. The City administration has budgeted $2.8 million for Capital Improvement projects such as the resurface of streets and curbing, sanitary sewer and storm sewer improvements. Salary cost reductions required the elimination of seven positions from the budget, a reduced transfer amount to reserves to $650,000, the elimination of new vehicle purchases, plus other operating cost cutbacks. Based on the approved millage rate, for every tax dollar collected, the City of Coral Gables only receives 27 cents.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Public Hearings Of Budget Reform Commission Coming To Town >>> Carlos Lacasa, member of the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission gave an update to the City Commission on September 25 about current and future tax reforms. The Budget Reform Commission, based in Tallahassee, examines the state budgetary process, the revenue needs and expenditure processes of the state, the appropriateness of the tax structure of the state and governmental productivity and efficiency. The group will hold a series of public hearings throughout Florida to give the general public the opportunity to share recommendations on taxation and budget issues. The public is invited to attend the public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, October 10, from 4-7 p.m. at the Miami-Dade County Commission Chamber, Second Floor, 111 Northwest First Street in Downtown Miami. For additional information, click here.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
City Mails Annual Report To Residents >>> In the next couple of weeks, all residents will receive in the mail the 2006-2007 Coral Gables Annual Report, a report that informs residents how local government taxpayers’ dollars were spent and what services and programs were provided. The report details the expenditures and revenues of this local government as well as what Capital Improvement Projects were funded in 2006-2007. The Annual Report is also accessible on-line by clicking here. To obtain additional copies, please contact the City of Coral Gables Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205 or send a request via e-mail at e-news@coralgables.com.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Biltmore Golf Course Reopens October 15 >>> Good news for local golfers: the Biltmore Hotel will unveil its newly restored, classic 18-hole, par 71 Donald Ross golf course on October 15. The golf course underwent a $3.5 million restoration of all greens, tees and bunkers. The restoration program also included new free-span bridges, plus the 19th Hole Restaurant, pro shop and clubhouse enhancements. Hours of operation are Mondays through Fridays, from 6:45 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations need to be made 48 hours in advance. For more information, call 305-460-5364.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Coral Gables Retail Real Estate Report >>> In downtown Coral Gables, several new restaurants and retail stores have opened up shop, some have moved out, while others have relocated within the City. Home furnishing stores Missura and Vivai vacated their stores on Miracle Mile raising the question as to whether this genre of retailers is struggling with the current sub prime mortgage market and the housing slowdown. Prado Fine Art at 70 Miracle Mile vacated only to be quickly substituted by Chuao Chocolatier. Relocating from 150 Giralda Avenue is Randazzo’s Italian Restaurant to the west end at 383 Miracle Mile. New tenant Trini in Private will open shop at 380 Miracle Mile, the former Preston Flowers location. New tenants on Miracle Mile also include Metro PCS, Hip e Boutique and Qdoba Mexican Grill. Also, Chili’s Grill and Bar has taken the multi-level Tuesday Morning space on Ponce de Leon Boulevard and across the street, Commerce Bank is opening at the corner of Miracle Mile and Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Research for this market update was provided by Cushman & Wakefield of Florida.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pop Icon Roy Lichtenstein Coming To Fairchild >>> Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is attracting worldwide attention, not only for its beautiful gardens, but for its fine art as well. Pop icon Roy Lichtenstein, known throughout the world for his colorful comic book images, will exhibit his sculptures from December 8, 2007 through May 31, 2008. This will be the first time that Lichtenstein’s sculptures, ranging from eight to 30 feet high, will be on display at the world-class botanic garden, located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables. The sculptures in the exhibition are on loan from the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation and private collectors. For more information, click here.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Time To Pick Up Your Halloween Costume >>> Halloween is still three weeks away, but the fun begins now trying to pick the scariest costume in town. The City of Coral Gables is hosting a few frightening activities to get all children involved: a Halloween Art contest for children ages 5-12 at the War Memorial Youth Center will challenge the imagination of youngsters who will compete for the best decoration of a large candy serving bowl. The Youth Center staff will provide all the materials for children to make the serving bowl as scary or as pretty as they want. This takes place on Saturday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Venetian Pool also will host a Haunted Swamp featuring a carved pumpkin contest, costume contest, Mad Scientist Lab and other special events. This event takes place on Saturday, October 27, from 5-7 p.m. Finally, for Halloween on Wednesday, October 31, from 6-9 p.m. the War Memorial Youth Center will be transformed as a Haunted House. Admission is $3 per person. A Halloween Carnival for younger children will also be onsite with a bounce house, carnival games and a costume contest. For additional information, contact the War Memorial Youth Center at 305-460-5600.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Nominate A Chamber Business For The Diamond Awards >>> Today is the last day to send your nominations to the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Diamond Awards, an annual competition recognizing businesses that achieve brilliant success. Categories for the nominations include small, medium and large businesses, non-profits, outstanding multi-national company, the “Go Green” Award and Diamond-in-the-Rough. Businesses will be judged on corporate citizenship, customer service, workplace environment, business involvement and excellence in business achievement. If you know of a visionary business, or want to nominate your own, click here.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
How Do We Communicate? >>> 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.
Don’t forget to listen to GABLES Radio 1620 AM on your car radio!
BACK TO TOP- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road between S.W. 16 Street and South Dixie Highway: Florida Department of Transportation has completed its Le Jeune Road Project.
> Kerwood Court: Crews contracted by the City’s Public Works Department is working on the drainage system at Kerwood Court. The project should take another week to complete. Access to the neighborhood will be maintained at all times.
> San Vicente Street and Aurelia Avenue: The Public Works Department has started working on the installation of a traffic circle on San Vicente Street and Aurelia Avenue. The project should take one more week to complete. Expect delays in the immediate area during the construction phase.
> Madeira Avenue and Hernando Street: Construction is expected to start this week on a traffic circle at the intersection of Madeira Avenue and Hernando Street. The project should take three weeks to complete. Expect traffic slowdowns in this area.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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.
October 5 – 14: Fritz & Franz Bierhaus invites the Coral Gables community to celebrate the 13th annual Oktoberfest, a 10 day German inspired festival complete with German food and music. The festival will take place at the plaza located on 60 Merrick Way between the hours of 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 305-774-1883.
October 5 – 14: The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami presents its 24th Gala Season of Festival Miami. The festival, which ends on November 10th, boasts a wide range of musical talent. Some of the upcoming concerts include a new Argentinean Tango show, guitarist Manuel Barrueco, the Frost Concert Jazz Band, short compositions by faculty composers and the Naples Philharmonic Baroque Soloists. For a complete list of events and ticket information, call 305-284-4940 or click here. All concerts will be held at Maurice Gusman Hall, 1314 Miller Drive.
October 5: Montica Jewelry will be hosting its first ever Silent Auction. Dozens
of items including fine jewelry, fashion jewelry and timepieces will be auctioned off to benefit
Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual
disabilities. In order to participate in the auction, guests must purchase a bid card costing $10.
The funds will benefit Best Buddies. The auction will be held at 75 Miracle Mile from 7 p.m. to 9
p.m. For more information, call 305-446-2957.
October 5: The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana kicks off its Art
in the Park event this Friday with
a series of concerts and free art exhibit at Fred B. Hartnett / Ponce Circle Park. The event will
also take place from 7 to 11 p.m. on the first Friday of the month of November, January and February
to run in conjunction with Coral Gables Gallery Night. Enjoy a variety of great music from local
bands and view the work of artists of national and international acclaim. Ponce Circle Park is located
at 2810 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. For more information, call 305-644-8888 or 305-490-5609.
October 6: Award-winning journalist Teresa Rodriguez has unveiled her
new work The Daughters
of Juarez: A True Story of Serial Murder South of the Border. Rodriguez will
reveal information on investigations into the unsolved murders of more than 400 women in Juarez,
Mexico when you meet her at the Coral Gables Branch Library, 3443 Segovia Street, at 2 p.m. For more
information, call 305-375-BOOK (2665).
October 6: A special seminar is being held at the Coral Gables Branch Library
meant to educate the public about investing wisely for retirement. Investor Education @ Your Library features
a 90-minute presentation followed by optional workshops that focus on the real needs of South Florida
residents, whether you are looking into a company-sponsored retirement account or a private savings
account. Seating for the event, to take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., is limited and advanced registration
is required. This event is being sponsored by the Florida
Office of Financial Regulation, the American Library Association, the Investor Protection Trust and
the Evelyn Brust Financial Research and Education Foundation. To register, call 305-232-7234 or email events@evelynbrustfoundation.org .
The Coral Gables Branch Library is located at 3443 Segovia Street. For further information, click
here.
October 7: Miami Pioneers / Natives of Dade Club will hold its meeting
on Sunday featuring guest speaker Dr. Jim Hutson, who comes from a historical pioneer family. Dr.
Hutson will discuss “Other
Aspects of Growing Up in Miami.” The meeting will take place at Central Christian
Church, 222 Menores Avenue, at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information,
call 305-274-3096.
October 10: Seniors are invited to a night out at the Miracle Theatre to watch
the play "UrineTown." Don't let the name throw you off. This musical was
nominated for 10 Tony Awards and in 2002 won Best Original Score. “Urinetown,” at the
Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, is hailed as a hilarious musical tale
of greed, corruption, love, and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. Please
make your reservations for this event by October 5th. The show starts at 8 p.m. so plan on arriving
at the theatre by 7:30 p.m. to receive your ticket and seating assignment. For ticket information,
call 305-460-5609.
October 10 – 20: The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre’s second performance of the 2007 – 2008
season is Tennessee Williams’ American masterpiece Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The
dramatic play will be performed at the Alvin Sherman Family Stage, 1312 Miller Drive, Tuesday, Wednesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., with a Sunday show starting at 2
p.m. Ticket prices range from $14 to $18. For more information, call the box office at 305-284-3355.
October 11: Learn how to get increased publicity for businesses through press releases.
The City of Coral Gables and Florida Atlantic University's Small Business Development Center will
be hosting a Small Business Seminar on How to Get Some Press. The free seminar will
be held at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information
or to reserve your spot, contact Jessica Wotherspoon at 305-460-5314 or by email at jwotherspoon@coralgables.com.
October 12, 13, 19 & 20: A classic fairy tale comes alive on stage. Miami Childrens
Theater presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The performances will be held
at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Theater, 405 University Drive, at 8 p.m. Children star
in all productions. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for children when you purchase tickets online
by clicking here. For more information, call 305-274-3595.
October 13: The Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida want you to join in for a day of Arts
and Crafts. Girls of all ages are invited to the event to learn various techniques of arts
and crafts. The day of fun events starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist
Church of Coral Gables, 536 Coral Way. The cost of the event is $5 if you are already a Girl Scout
and $10 for non-members. For more information or
to make your reservation, contact Suzanne Levitt by calling 305-663-1274 or by email at levitt74@gmail.com.
October 13: Make personalized decorations for Halloween and win prizes. The Coral
Gables War Memorial Youth Center is hosting a Halloween Art Contest from 10 a.m.
to 1 p.m. Challenge the imagination decorating a large serving bowl for passing out candy. The Youth
Center staff will judge the entries and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.
The deadline to register for this event is October 6th. This event will be held at the Youth Center,
405 University Drive, for children ages 5 through 12. Registration costs $20 for members, $27 for
residents, $20 for non-resident members and $32 for non-residents. Call 305-460-5600 or click
here.
October 14: Contemporary Christian recording group Newboys will
perform live at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami. The Nashville based quintet has
sold nearly three million records, earning three Grammy nominations. The BankUnited Center is located
at 1245 Dauer Drive. Tickets are now on sale with prices varying from $14.25 to $75.25. To purchase
tickets, call 305-284-8686 or 305-358-5885.
October 14: Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the back roads and lush tree-lined streets
of Coral Gables with historian for the Historical Museum of Southern Florida Dr. Paul George. Discover Coral
Gables' Thematic Villages, including the Dutch South African, French Country, French City,
French Normandy, Chinese, Italian and Colonial Villages. Bring your own bike and meet in front of
the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. Members of the Historical Museum pay $20 and $25 for non-members.
For more information, call 305-375-1621.
October 15: The Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church
is the place to view one of the greatest films of all time, “Citizen Kane.” The
movie starts at 1 p.m. The senior center is located at 624 Anastasia Avenue. The event is free and
refreshments will be served. For more information, call 305-460-5609.
October 15: All young and aspiring actors and actresses
are encouraged to participate in Miami Childrens Theater’s Audition for the musical Babes
in Toyland. The audition will take place at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center
Theater, 405 University Drive, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Performers ages 10 through 21 are to bring a one-minute
long monologue, an up-tempo song is required and must come prepared to dance. For more information,
call 305-274-3595.
October 16: The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Women’s Business Network
Luncheon to be held at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables, 50 Alhambra Plaza, from 11:30
a.m. to 1 p.m. The topic of discussion during this network luncheon will focus on the Top Ten
Marketing Tips for the Holidays. Members who make reservations by October 11th pay $30, all
others pay $40. To register, click here.
October 18: Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture when you visit The Mai
Kai Polynesian Restaurant. Seniors will experience a romantic Hawaiian Wedding Dance and
a Fire Knife Dance performed by native Polynesian dancers as you enjoy dinner. The bus leaves the
Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center at 3:30 p.m. and returns at 9:30 p.m. The fee for residents
is $62 and $72 for non-residents. The price includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert, coffee
or tea, the show, tax, gratuity and transportation. The deadline to make a reservation is Monday,
October 8th. For more information or to make a reservation, call 305-460-5609.
October 19: Show your support for the Coral Gables Citizens Crime Watch Program
by attending the Coral Gables Citizens Crime Watch Annual Awards Luncheon. Guest
Speaker will be State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. Proceeds from the event will go to 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 them selves.
The event will be held at the Country Club of Coral Gables at 12 p.m., 997 North Greenway Drive.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for the luncheon are $35 per person and reservations are
required. For more information, contact Pat Kiel at 305-441-5760.
BACK TO TOP
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
For e-News en español, click here.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -