Last year, the City of Coral Gables passed a new law requiring the installation of defibrillators in an estimated 250 commercial and public buildings within City limits. The idea is to make these electronic devices immediately available if someone suffers a heart attack on site. The law applies to commercial facilities in Coral Gables in excess of 20,000 square feet, gymnasiums, fitness centers and indoor recreational centers in excess of 1,500 square feet. The law also requires the installation of automated external defibrillators (AED), at property owner’s expense, in restaurants with 100 or more seats, commercial and retail spaces in excess of 35,000 square feet, and all hotels and motels in Coral Gables.  Since the adoption of the ordinance, the Coral Gables Fire Department has conducted an awareness campaign and has been working with business owners throughout the entire community — a worthwhile effort that has resulted in the installation of approximately 110 defibrillators in local facilities, however, there are still other businesses that need to come in compliance. The Fire Department will continue to work with the remaining businesses for compliance.

Road improvements are underway for Segovia Street, an important residential thoroughfare that connects Bird Road, Coral Way and Alhambra Circle. Currently under construction is a new roundabout on Segovia Street and Coral Way which is expected to be completed in December. Beginning next month is the realignment of Segovia Circle at Alhambra Circle and at Segovia Street to make traffic run smoother. This project will include the resurfacing of both Segovia Circle and Segovia Street plus the reconstruction of existing drainage. Segovia Street will also be widened to provide for 4’ bicycle lanes. Funding for this project, which is scheduled to be completed in December 2008, comes from the Street Improvement Program at a cost of $20,000. A second roundabout on Segovia Street and Biltmore Way is scheduled to begin construction next summer, from May through August 2009. Construction cost is $350,000 with funding coming from Road Impact Fees. Beginning September 2009 through the end of the year is the construction of the 16’ wide Segovia Street landscaped median with sidewalk extensions and 4’ bicycle lanes. The cost of this median is $600,000 and funding is provided by Road Impact Fees.  Once complete, the Segovia Street corridor will prove a pleasant ride or drive for all.

Think about how much money you will save by using public transportation, and then consider also the benefits for the environment. Register now at www.1800234RIDE.com and pledge to leave your car at home for at least one day between November 10-14 during Green Your Commute week in Coral Gables. You can use the fabulous Coral Gables Trolley or any alternative mode of transportation and join the thousands of commuters through South Florida who already use public transportation to get to work. If you register to participate, you have the chance to win a 3 day/2 night Hawks Cay Resort getaway, a $100 gift certificate for Christy’s Restaurant, a dinner for two for Caffé Abracci, a $100 gift certificate for Ortanique on the Mile, a $100 gift certificate from Fleming’s Steakhouse, various gift certificates for purchases at the Business Improvement District and the Coral Gables Community Foundation, gift cards from Montica Jewelry, Men-n-cure Salon, OXXO cleaners, Dunkin Donuts, a free fuel card, plus other great prizes. This event is presented by the City of Coral Gables and the South Florida Commuter Services. For more information, call 1-800-234-RIDE or www.coralgables.com.

Wear your red ribbon with pride the week of October 23-31 during Red Ribbon Week.  Red Ribbon Week began after the kidnapping, torture and brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985. Agent Camarena had been working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico for over four years. His efforts resulted in the discovery of a multimillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Mexico. The successful eradication of this and other drug production operations angered leaders of several drug cartels who sought revenge. As a result, the Cartel murdered key informants and then, on February 7, 1985, they kidnapped Agent Camarena and his pilot Captain Alfredo Zavala-Avelar, torturing and eventually killing both men. The public outpouring of support turned in to an organized community response in which citizens dawned red ribbons. The ribbons became a voice for prevention in order to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and illegal use of legal drugs in America. The following year the California State PTA adopted the Red Ribbon Campaign. Then, in 1988, Red Ribbon Week was recognized nationally and today it brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention.

With the school year in full session, teachers and students are back in the classrooms sharing in knowledge and education. Budget reductions in the school system are affecting the resources in the classroom which hampers the ability to meet the needs of students. Teachers often spend their own money every school year to purchase additional materials to transform classrooms into vibrant centers of learning. Coral Gables residents and businesses can make a difference through the Adopt-A-Classroom program, selecting a school, a teacher or a classroom to donate financial support. Adopt-A-Classroom directs 100 percent of the donation to the classroom teacher in the form of online credit, sending each donor an impact report which details item-by-item, dollar-for-dollar what the teacher purchased with the donation. Donors and teachers communicate throughout the school year, so donors can learn about the difference made in the lives of the students. There are 148 classrooms registered in Coral Gables and so far 101 classrooms have been adopted. If you are interested in adopting a classroom and want to see which schools in Coral Gables are eligible, click here.

At the invitation of US Navy Admiral J. Stavridis of Southern Command, the City of Coral Gables participated in the signing of a Military Community Covenant held at Jungle Island on September 27. Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick was present at the military ceremony to acknowledge and recommit to the excellent partnership between this local government and the members of the Armed Forces. The covenant was also signed by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez and City of Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez. These community leaders pledged to build partnerships that support the strength, resilience, and readiness of military service members and families. The signing ceremony sent a clear message of support to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces for the service to the nation and commitment to South Florida.

The Villagers, a Coral Gables volunteer organization formed in 1966 to save the Douglas Entrance, received the 1000 Friends of Florida’s 2008 Community Steward Award. The distinction is presented annually to individuals or organizations that have brought about positive and lasting change in the way the community manages growth. The Villagers is an active organization of about 100 members assisting with preservation projects. It holds annual events to generate awareness of preservation and raise funds, including a house tour, garden tour, historic site hunt, quilt sale and other events. The Villagers have been involved in more than 35 major preservation projects over the years, including the Biltmore and Vizcaya restoration.

A Coral Gables landmark, is celebrating 30 years as one of South Florida’s most successful steakhouses.  In 1978 Christy’s opened its doors in Coral Gables and since then it has been a beloved, permanent fixture on the South Florida dining landscape.  Christy’s Restaurant has proven that hearty, well executed classic cuisine combined with great service and a welcoming environment equates to staying power. Locals, many who have been coming since the restaurant first opened, are shown to their favorite tables by tuxedoed staff, many of whom have been with Christy’s for more than 20 years; while the kitchen line boasts over 100 years of experience. This type of devotion has helped Christy’s weather innumerable dining trends over the past three decades to the point where the restaurant is in fashion once again without ever having gone out of style.  The South Florida dining landscape is proof positive that steakhouses are in vogue, with national chains popping up on every corner and celebrity chefs attaching their names to prestigious projects. Christy’s Restaurant is located at 3101 Ponce de Leon Boulevard in Coral Gables. For more information, click here.

The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce is seeking sponsors for the 2008-2009 Flags on Ponce Program.  The program is a stunning visual display of Coral Gables’ rich diversity and the focal point of the international business community.  Each year, flags from over 120 countries are flown along Ponce de Leon Boulevard during the months of January through June. This initiative is an important international focus of The City Beautiful, and community’s support is important to ensure the longevity of the program.  For sponsorship opportunities that begin as low as $150 for residents and individuals, contact the Chamber’s Events Coordinator Natalie Leon at 305-446-1657 or nleon@coralgableschamber.org.

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

TRAFFIC

Coral Way and Segovia Street: Construction of a roundabout on the intersection of Coral Way and Segovia Street is in full swing. For the next two weeks, workers will continue the work that began a couple of weeks ago of preparing the site for the base of the roundabout, pouring concrete for the curbs and gutters, continuing the removal of traffic signal equipment and the installation of electrical conductors. The following streets are now closed and will remain closed throughout the duration of the project: Coral Way at Segovia Street, North Greenway Drive at Segovia Street, Segovia Street at Coral Way and Segovia Street at Biltmore Way. Local traffic will be permitted through the area at all times. Signs are positioned just outside the construction zone that clearly mark detour routes. The roundabout is scheduled to be completed by December 15, 2008.

Red Road from Coral Way to S.W. 22 Street: The roadway improvements on Red Road between Coral Way and Southwest 22 Street are now underway. Until the end of October, please avoid travelling through the area on the weekends as the Florida Department of Transportation will be conducting roadway improvements that include improving the drainage system on the eastside of Red Road and restriping of the roadway. As a result, Red Road and the sidewalk will be closed in the mentioned construction zone on Saturdays and Sundays, October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Only local traffic will be allowed through the area. Detour routes will be clearly marked as drivers approach the area.

Fred B. Hartnett/Ponce Circle Park: Expect intermittent lane closures the morning of October 26 in the road surrounding the park as a result of the Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk.

Ponce de Leon Boulevard between Carillo Street and Stanford Drive: On October 24 shortly before 7 p.m., expect the closure of the westbound lane of Ponce de Leon Boulevard from Carillo Street to Stanford Drive. The University of Miami will be hosting a parade as part of its Homecoming and Alumni Weekend activities, which will temporarily close the Boulevard until the parade turns into the UM campus.  

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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