Every year, the City of Coral Gables provides funding assistance to organizations and events that enhance the cultural opportunities in the City. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2008-2009 Cultural Development Grants until Friday, September 5. There are three different types of grants that are available: Cultural Development Grants, Festivals and Special Events Grants, and Community Grants. The Cultural Development Grants is designed to support Coral Gables-based professional mid- to large-sized nonprofit cultural organizations with budgets of at least $250,000 that provide year-round cultural performances or art exhibitions. The Festivals and Special Events Grants supports nonprofit organizations producing annual cultural festivals, cultural series and special cultural events that take place in Coral Gables and are open to the public. Finally, the Community Grants is designed for nonprofit organizations presenting small community-based cultural programs, projects or events in Coral Gables such as small fairs, parades, neighborhood events, conferences, publications, and programs. Additional information on each of the grants and how to apply is accessible, by clicking here.

The Florida Department is Transportation is planning a large construction project that will affect some residents and drivers in Coral Gables. FDOT is proposing to mill and resurface Bird Road from SW 38th Avenue to Red Road. Because the project cuts through Coral Gables, officials with FDOT are planning a public information hearing to inform residents about the proposed roadway improvements and get feedback for project engineers. The public will have the opportunity to view the project plans as well. This meeting is scheduled for tomorrow Thursday, August 21st at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, at 6:30 p.m. The scope of work includes adding new sidewalks on the north side of Bird Road to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, new signage, the resurfacing of the roadway and upgrade of traffic railing barriers on the bridge over the Waterway Canal. Construction is expected to begin in September of 2009. As the date of construction approaches, the City of Coral Gables will remind the public of the road work and provide information on any closures that may occur.

Tropical Storm Fay gave residents a reminder of what to expect during the peak of the hurricane season. City administrators worked hard this week to be on top of emergency preparations. The question becomes Are you ready? Residents must be prepared to survive on their own without City help for the first 72 hours after a storm. Essential personnel of the City of Coral Gables met this week at the Emergency Operations Center headquartered at the Police/Fire Station to review emergency logistics, rescue recon operations, infrastructure, and all other pertinent operations that will secure the functions of this local government and activate the immediate emergency rescue response. If a hurricane or storm strikes Coral Gables resulting in the interruption of power, communications, or road access, emergency crews will be working nonstop to restore essential City services. It is for this reason that residents must plan in advance to stock up on the necessary items that will enable them to live on their own for the first 72 hours. Now is the time to check all storm preparation supplies such as water, ice, non perishable food, medicines, and make arrangements of where your family and pets are planning to stay in case of evacuation. To know what you need to do to prepare for a hurricane, click here.

It’s been a busy year for construction crews working on making the City accessible to everyone. ADA improvements are now underway in the northern section of Coral Gables where sidewalk extensions are being added. Anytime Public Works repaves a street or adds a traffic circle, the immediate area is also updated to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Workers are also at several City-owned parking lots and garages. The addition of a handicap parking space was recently completed at the parking lot located on the 1200 block of San Remo Avenue. City facilities like City Hall are being retrofitted for ADA accessibility and bathrooms at parks are being updated.

Thanks to the enthusiastic response from Gables homeowners, Coral Gables Television has produced a second episode of the award-winning Historic Homes television show. This new program features the oldest home built within City limits, currently the home of the Zorn family. This one-of-a-kind home represents the spirit of renovation and restoration that makes Coral Gables so distinct. Also, viewers will be intrigued by the history of a house on El Rado Street, home of the Sheldon family, which was built in the 1920s. The first homeowner of this historic home was the founder of the Orange Bowl Committee, who used to ride his horse in the living room. In this new show, you’ll also learn about the meaning of the street names in Coral Gables. Currently airing in Coral Gables Television, Channel 77 for Comcast subscribers or Channel 97 for Adelphia customers, the show can also be viewed through the City’s website. To view this show, click here and select the video of Historic Homes.

Beginning this fall, the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center will offer a new fun way to get into shape. Belly Dancing classes for adults and children, eight years and up, will teach participants the empowering moves of this Middle Eastern dance form. Belly dancing provides a good cardio-vascular workout and helps increase both flexibility and strength, focusing on the torso or "core muscles", and also builds leg strength. Bring your veils, hip scarves and finger cymbals to learn the secrets of one the oldest dances known. Belly dancing for children is offered on Fridays, 6-7 p.m. and for adults on Saturdays, from 3-4 p.m. For tuition information and information on how to register, call 305-460-5600.

We all know how beautiful Coral Gables is but now all of the travelling public will too! American Airlines Nexos Magazine is featuring Coral Gables in its October — November issue. The in-flight magazine is distributed on American Airlines flights to and from Central and South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Spain and 20 U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington and Boston. Coral Gables will be the cover story featuring the City as a main destination. The article will include photos, a brief history and things to do in our great City!

It is important to know how to properly dispose chemicals that are used at home, such as oil-based paints, pool chemicals, or pesticides to avoid contaminating the environment, especially drinking water. The Miami-Dade County Solid Waste Department has two home chemical collection centers where these household items can be discarded. The Centers are located in West Dade at 8831 N.W. 58th Street and in South Dade at 23707 S.W. 97th Avenue, Gate-B. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  When delivering these chemicals to the center for disposal remember to pack all containers upright in sturdy boxes, tighten lids and caps on all containers and make sure all containers are labeled. Hazardous waste items that should not be disposed of in the trash, sewer or on the ground, but should be taken to the Home Chemical Collection facilities include: auto batteries, carburetor cleaners, degreasers, fuels, gasoline, oil filters, used antifreeze, used motor oil, bug spray, charcoal lighter fluid, fertilizers, insect killers, pool chemicals, roach/ant killers, rodent bait, weed killer, aerosol products, button batteries, drain cleaners, fluorescent lights, mothballs, nail polish remover, oven cleaners, spot removers, thermometers, concrete cleaner, driveway sealer, furniture stripper, glue with solvents, oil-based paint, paint remover, paint thinner, roofing tar, stain/varnish and wood preservatives. For more information on how to go about disposing chemicals used at home, click here.

EVENTS ROUNDUP
For the definitive guide
to upcoming events in the
City of Coral Gables,
click here

TRAFFIC
Coral Way and Segovia Street: Construction on a large traffic circle at the intersection of Coral Way and Segovia Street is expected to begin the week of August 25th. This project will require the closure of the intersection. Expect detours from about a half mile radius from the construction site. Please plan to use alternate streets. Construction is expected to last until the end of the year.

CITY OF
CORAL GABLES

MISSION
Dedicated people providing exceptional services to residents, businesses and visitors while preserving our heritage.

VALUES
Accessibility
Accountability
Competency
Dedication
Innovation
Integrity
Loyalty
Responsiveness

Visit the
City of Coral Gables
web site:
www.coralgables.com
 

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