Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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CONTENTS:
City Debuts New Powertalk TV Show
New Permits And Inspections System Goes Live
Angels Looking After Downtown Coral Gables
UM Presents Findings Of Trolley System Study
Building Administrator Appointed To Construction Industry Licensing Board
No Garbage, Trash Or Recycling Collection On Christmas & New Year’s Day
Junior Orange Bowl Tennis Finals To Air Live On CGTV
Insect Infestation Affecting Ficus in The Area
How Do We Communicate?
Traffic
Events Roundup
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City Debuts New Powertalk TV Show
>>> A man of humble beginning who now carries
a mission of fighting horrible diseases throughout the world: Meet Dr. Donald Hopkins, the first
guest of the City’s new Powertalk show, a new television production of the City’s Communications Division.
You can watch Dr. Hopkins, born and raised in Coral Gables, being interviewed by host Belkys Perez
from the newly constructed Coral Gables Television studios on Channel 77 (for Comcast subscribers)
tomorrow, Thursday, December 13 at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., on Saturday, December 15 at 9 a.m. and then
again on Tuesday, December 18 at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Viewers can get more of PowerTalk when Mayor Slesnick
discusses what happens when a pint-size playhouse in the backyard creates some grown-up problems.
He’ll talk about the rocky road of the City’s truck ordinance and the recent Santeria
ritual sacrificing the harmony of a Coral Gables neighborhood. Powertalk with Mayor Slesnick airs
on Thursday, December 20 at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., Saturday, December 22 at 9 a.m. and then again on Tuesday,
December 25 at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. You won’t want to miss this powerful show.
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Angels Looking After Downtown Coral Gables
>>> Do you have a Guardian Angel? If you live in Coral Gables, you now do. If you look up on the roof top of the Westin Colonnade Hotel on 180 Aragon Avenue, you’ll see 6-foot angels with 12-foot wings looking toward the heavens and after downtown Coral Gables. The Angels of the Gables, which can be admired from all adjacent streets, will be on exhibit at the corner of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Miracle Mile, standing and hanging from the penthouse of the historic Coral Gables hotel. This unconventional exhibit is part of ArcoArt’s production, founded by Carlos Hidalgo. Sculptor Rafael Consuegra has more than 25 years of experience as a professional artist specializing in metal and ceramic sculpture. The Angels will be on display until January 3, 2008.
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New Permits And Inspections System Goes Live
>>> On Monday, December 17, the phase one implementation
of the new EDEN software program for building permits and inspections goes live. This system
upgrade is set to provide unprecedented benefits to users who will receive faster and more efficient
service when requesting information, permits and inspections from the City’s Building and Zoning Department.
By next summer, users will be able to submit their building permits and inspections requests on-line
through the Internet and can also track their requests through an automated telephone system. A
minor adjustment period is expected during the transition to this new system. The public’s
patience and understanding is greatly appreciated during this intricate but exciting phase for
the Building and Zoning Department.
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UM Presents Findings Of Trolley System Study
>>> Two years ago, the City of Coral Gables requested
the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Miami to conduct an overall system
analysis for the trolleys that could be used to plan further improvement of this popular transportation
service. The demand for trolley ridership has exceeded initial expectations by more than 50 percent
during the year following the initiation of the trolley system in 2003. As of May 2007, the overall
boarding surpassed 2.7 million. Study findings show that passengers wait no longer than 10
minutes for a trolley 91 percent of the time. The trolley system has the capacity of moving 450
passengers an hour from the Douglas Metrorail Station during peak hours. The Coral Gables trolley
system provides a service of 5,878 passenger-miles to its constituency every day. This corresponds
to a normalized trolley load of 10.7 passengers and 1.3 miles per passengers. The cost of moving
one passenger for one mile is 50 cents, matching the Miami average and remaining below the national
average of 95.1 cents per mile. The forecast analysis predicts the continuing growth of the trolley
system for this year, with a slowing trend surpassing the 5,000 passengers per day mark. The operational
analysis shows that the current trolley schedules are close to optimal and no major changes are
required until the daily passenger demand reaches 5,500.
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Building Administrator Appointed To Construction Industry Licensing Board
>>> Florida Governor Charlie Crist has re-appointed
Edward M. Weller, assistant director of the Building and Zoning Department, to the Construction Industry
Licensing Board. Under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Board is
in charge of providing licensing requirements for contractors and licenses over 62,000 individual
contractors in over 20 different categories. Weller, who has been a City of Coral Gables employee
for the last 12 years, is serving his third term which is to end on October 31, 2010. He was previously
Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Construction Industry Licensing Board of Florida.
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No Garbage, Trash Or Recycling Collection On Christmas & New Year’s
Day
>>> Residents save your waste for one more day: Due
to the holidays, there will be no garbage, trash or recycling collection service on Tuesday, December
25 and on Tuesday, January 1, 2008. Collections normally scheduled for these days will be made on
Wednesday, December 26 and on Wednesday, January 2, 2008. For more information, please contact the
Public Service Department at 305-460-5346.
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Junior Orange Bowl Tennis Finals To Air Live On CGTV
>>> Coral Gables Television will air the final
matches for the Boys and the Girl’s Junior Orange Bowl Tennis Championship on Sunday, December 23, live
from the William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center, beginning at 9 a.m. Immediately after, live television
coverage will include an interview with the winners and trophy presentations. Tune in to Channel 77
if you’re a Comcast subscriber or Channel 97 if you have Adelphia Cable. The Junior Orange
Bowl International Tennis Championship is one of the most important junior tennis tournaments in
the world. It has seen the participation of many tennis stars during their rise to fame including
Chris Evert, Andre Agassi, Anna Kournikova, and Monica Seles.
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Insect Infestation Affecting Ficus in The Area
>>> A new pest has been reported attacking ficus trees
and hedges in the South Florida area. This pest was identified as the fig whitefly, Singhiella
simplex, winged insects that typically feed on the underside of leaves with their “needle-like” mouthparts.
Whiteflies can seriously injure host plants by sucking juices from them causing wilting, yellowing,
stunting, leaf drop, or even death. Ficus trees without their leaves are one of the most obvious
symptoms of a whitefly infestation. It is important that homeowners monitor ficus plants for
early signs of infestation. It will be easier to manage the pest before it builds to high populations
and causes major damage. Although natural enemies of the pest are present and active in the environment
and they may provide long term control of the whitefly population, there are several control options
that homeowners can use if they find the fig whitefly in their yard. To find out what you can do, click
here.
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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
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Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road between S.W. 16 Street and South Dixie Highway: Florida Department of Transportation has completed its Le Jeune Road Project.
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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.
Mondays: Seniors are invited to start every Monday morning with a fresh cup of coffee at the City of Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church. Chat with friends and get caught up on the latest news all over a free cup of coffee. The Morning Coffee Club will meet in Room 112 every Monday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue.
December 15: Join old Saint Nick for a morning of fun and good food. From 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., children and their parents can share in a Breakfast Feast with Santa Claus after which holiday activities begin with raffles, games and much more. This event is being held at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. Tickets for members cost $15 for adults and $9 for children, residents pay $20 for adults and $12 for children, non-resident members pay $15 and non-residents pay $25 for adults and $12 for children. For more information or to register, call 305-460-5600.
December 16: The South Florida Youth Symphony will team up with the Miami-Dade College Kendall Campus Choir for an organ concerto of Handel's “The Nightingale and the Cukoo.” Dr. Gene Greco will join the talented musicians for the performance which starts at 4 p.m. at the Coral Gables First United Methodist Church, 536 Coral Way. Admission for adults is $10, students and children pay $5. Make reservations by calling 305-238-2729.
December 17: Bring your friends to the Adult Activity Center for Movie Mondays. Watch the 1946 family classic It's a Wonderful Life. The movie will start at 1 p.m. in the chapel at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue. The viewing is free and refreshments will be served.
December 17 – 23: Watch the best tennis players 14 years of age and under from around the world compete during the prestigious Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship. The Main Draw will take place through the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the UM Tennis Center, Biltmore Tennis Center, Tropical Park and Salvadore Park. If you can’t make it out to the event, Coral Gables Television will carry the final championship games on Sunday, December 23rd live starting at 9 a.m. For Comcast subscribers, tune into channel 77 and Adelphia subscribers can turn to channel 97. For more information on the tennis tournament, call 305-662-1210 or click here.
December 18: The renowned Greater Miami Symphonic Band is sure to delight with a Holiday Concert. This performance will take place at Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive, at 8 p.m. For more information, call 305-273-7687.
December 18 & 19: Sesame Street comes to Coral Gables. This year Super Grover is joined by a new team of Sesame heroes during the Sesame Street Live “Ready for Action” performance. On Tuesday the performance, which starts at 7 p.m., will be in Spanish. On Wednesday, there will be two performances: 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets range in cost from $15.75 to $33.75. The BankUnited Center is located at 1245 Dauer Drive at the University of Miami. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-284-8165.
December 19: The Coral Gables community is invited to participate in a Holiday Celebration to be held at the City's Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church. Spend the afternoon enjoying lunch and music in the company of family and friends as this event is not just for seniors. The holiday celebration starts at 12 p.m. at a cost of $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. The church is located at 624 Anastasia Avenue. The deadline to register is December 12. For more information or to make reservations, call 305-460-5609.
December 21: Parents, go out on a date and leave your kids at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center for a Sleep-over Party. There will be special activities throughout the night for your 5 to 14 year-old child. The kids will be given an evening snack and breakfast in the morning. Just drop off your little loved one on Friday at 7 p.m. and pick them up the next morning no later than 9 a.m. The cost is $27 for members, $36 for residents and $45 for everyone else. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
Through December 22: Downtown Coral Gables kicks off the holiday season with a month-long Seasons Greenings promotion offering shoppers an old town holiday experience. The kick-off celebration will feature live music along Miracle Mile, complimentary horse drawn carriage rides and much more. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and wraps up by 10 p.m. Don’t miss the experience of a horse drawn carriage ride available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.during the following Saturdays in December: December 8th, 15thand 22nd.
Through December 23: Merrick Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland for the holidays. Families are invited to walk around Merrick Park, across the street from City Hall, and see the winter landscapes created by the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments. Merrick Park will be open from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. every day. Come take pictures with Santa on Thursdays and Fridays from 5-10 p.m. or Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.
Through May 31: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is transformed into an open air art gallery as the monumental pop art sculptures of Roy Lichtenstein grace the garden. Admission to the garden costs $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $10 for children ages 6 – 17. Experience these amazing works of art at night every Thursday night. Poppin’ Tropical Nights takes place from 6 – 9 p.m. and until 9:30 p.m. starting March 13, 2008. Admission is $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 6 – 17. For more information, call 305-667-1651 or click here.BACK TO TOP
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