Saturday, June 1, rain or shine, TreeMendous Miami is planting the beautiful flowering trees and plants along US 1 that we all admire so often.
Come join in the fun at US 1 between 24th and 22nd Avenues at 8:30 am. Come one and come all. It is a reminder every time you drive down US 1 that you planted that flowering tree. It's a great feeling.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Benefit concert at Music Conservatory
Katherine Mohr has been accepted into this Summer's Hawaii Performing Art Festival. She has been offered several roles, such as Second Woman in Dido and Aeneas, Sister Osmina in Suor Angelica and also understudy for Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte. Not only she will be performing in these operas, but she will be also taking voice lessons and coachings as well as participating in Master Classes and concerts.
This is a wonderful opportunity for her and Katherine is giving this benefit concert to help her pay for this program.
Miami Conservatory of Music Hall is at the Mayfair Promenade, next to The Improv in Coconut Grove.
Art Auction tonight at The Hangar
Help support the Nika Healing Arts Foundation Summer Art workshops at tonight's art auction (Friday, May 31, 2013) at The Hangar.
The Nika Healing Arts Foundation was founded with the goal to inspire, instill hope and motivate children suffering from cancer through the healing power of art and raise money for cancer research.
The proceeds of this auction will go directly to funding free summer art classes for children diagnosed with cancer. The Hangar is home to dozens of local artists including; painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, performers, muralists, the curious and the creative. Dedicated to the collective movement of creative exhibition.
The event starts at 7 pm. The Hanger is located at 2235 NW 2nd Avenue in Wynwood.
The Nika Healing Arts Foundation was founded with the goal to inspire, instill hope and motivate children suffering from cancer through the healing power of art and raise money for cancer research.
The proceeds of this auction will go directly to funding free summer art classes for children diagnosed with cancer. The Hangar is home to dozens of local artists including; painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, performers, muralists, the curious and the creative. Dedicated to the collective movement of creative exhibition.
The event starts at 7 pm. The Hanger is located at 2235 NW 2nd Avenue in Wynwood.
New MPA/Miami Maps program
As part of the one-year test, Parking Meter Maps Systems will offer affordable advertising on each meter. The ads will be rotated every six months to accommodate new advertisers and will be maintained on a regular basis in order to assure a clean, high-quality presentation. Community activities, such as festivals and meetings highlighted on the map, will also be updated. In addition, a QR code will appear on each map to allow merchants to target potential customers in the area via SmartPhone technology in order to offer special promotions or discounts in real time, thus creating new business and valuable revenue for Coconut Grove businesses.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to generate new revenue streams for the City of Miami while adding value to the local community,” said Arthur Noriega, Chief Executive Officer of Miami Parking Authority.
MPA will receive 25 percent of all advertising revenues. The Authority will not be responsible for expenses in connection with the operation, installation or maintenance of the project. “Although actual value of the ads will be determined during the test period, it is anticipated that a gross annual revenue exceeding $40,000 from 30 meters is a realistic working number, which could generate $10,000 for MPA,” stated Marshall Steingold,” President of Parking Meter Map Systems.
The pilot project will be supported by a public information campaign aimed at raising awareness and sparking interest in the community. It would be cool if the MPA used the money earned to offset parking fees, in other words, give us free parking in Coconut Grove, but then we are back to square one because what would we need the parking meters for then? They would end up being just billboards, which I guess they are now with the maps. But honestly, maybe only Sundays we could have free parking or weekends.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Critical Mass ride is Friday night
Critical Mass will be riding through the Grove and other neighborhoods on Friday night, May 31. Bicyclists will meet at Government Center downtown and they leave for the ride at 7:15 pm. It's a ride, not a race.
They will be riding through Little Havana, West Flagler, Coral Gables/Miracle Mile, Coconut Grove, Silver Bluff, Shenandoah, Riverside, and Downtown. The route is about 14.5 miles. You can join or end whenever you like, you don't have to complete the whole 14.5 miles. There is a map at Miami Bike Scene, so you can use that if you get lost or start late.
The Filling Station and Garage Bar (95 SE 2nd Street) is the ending point.
They are asking that you wear red, in remembrance of Bella.
They will be riding through Little Havana, West Flagler, Coral Gables/Miracle Mile, Coconut Grove, Silver Bluff, Shenandoah, Riverside, and Downtown. The route is about 14.5 miles. You can join or end whenever you like, you don't have to complete the whole 14.5 miles. There is a map at Miami Bike Scene, so you can use that if you get lost or start late.
The Filling Station and Garage Bar (95 SE 2nd Street) is the ending point.
They are asking that you wear red, in remembrance of Bella.
Vigil for Bella
There is a Vigil for Bella in Peacock Park starting at 6:30 pm, tonight, May 30.
Please wear red, bring a candle.
Bella passed away on Tuesday after a long battle with cancer.
Friday is Nametag Day
Did you see this event that's happening in New York tomorrow, May 31. It's "Nametag Day."
People that feel like it will walk around the city wearing name tags, this sort of reminds me of that Seinfeld episode which didn't turn out too well for Jerry. You know, where all of Jerry's neighbors put their photos up in the lobby with names attached? It got a little too friendly for Jerry.
Nametag Day is an idea we can use here. While many of us know each other in Coconut Grove, many don't. To tell you the truth, I never wear a name tag at events because I want to remain anonymous (something to be said for anonymous commenters?). So maybe it's not a great idea.
Nametag Day is sort of like a Tweet-up. And I remember in the early days of AOL, there were meetups where people would wear their AOL handles on nametags and meet at parties or bars or something like that.
Wish I was in New York to see how it goes, and maybe here, I guess if you feel like it, you can wear a name tag in the Grove or anywhere in Miami tomorrow. If you do, send us a picture, let us know how it went!
People that feel like it will walk around the city wearing name tags, this sort of reminds me of that Seinfeld episode which didn't turn out too well for Jerry. You know, where all of Jerry's neighbors put their photos up in the lobby with names attached? It got a little too friendly for Jerry.
Nametag Day is an idea we can use here. While many of us know each other in Coconut Grove, many don't. To tell you the truth, I never wear a name tag at events because I want to remain anonymous (something to be said for anonymous commenters?). So maybe it's not a great idea.
Nametag Day is sort of like a Tweet-up. And I remember in the early days of AOL, there were meetups where people would wear their AOL handles on nametags and meet at parties or bars or something like that.
Wish I was in New York to see how it goes, and maybe here, I guess if you feel like it, you can wear a name tag in the Grove or anywhere in Miami tomorrow. If you do, send us a picture, let us know how it went!
Annual Royal Poinciana Fiesta
Saturday, June 1 - 8:30 am - Tree planting
Meet at 24th Avenue on the west side of US 1 in Coconut Grove. Park on the street on 27th Avenue. Bring hat, gloves, and a shovel if you have one. The group will plant additional flowering trees and shrubs along the Metrorail right-of-way. Volunteers must be 18 or over. Sponsored by Tropical Flowering Tree Society and TREEmendous Miami. For information, contact Steve Pearson at 305-259-8006.
Sunday, June 2 - Gate opens at 11:30 am
Bring a picnic lunch and explore the Kampong, former home of David Fairchild, located at 4013 Douglas Road, Coconut Grove.
On Sunday, June 2, The Kampong will be open from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm as part of the Poinciana Fiesta activities.
Special admission at The Kampong for that day: $8 Adults and $5 Children
Kampong Fellows and Contributor Members are free
You may purchase tickets online at http://ntbg.org/gardens/kampong-tours.php
Or by calling our office at 305.442.7169.
1:00 pm
Boarding for a narrated, air-conditioned bus tour of the area’s most dazzling royal poincianas and other exceptional trees. Reservations are required - limited seating! For reservations call Carol Vannoorbeeck at 305-258-1086. The fee is $25 per person.
Tours will be narrated by Larry Schokman, Director Emeritus of the Kampong; and Steve Pearson, Director of the Gifford Arboretum at UM. Both men are founders and former presidents of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society. Refreshments will be served after the tour at the Kampong.
Monday, June 3 - 6:30 pm
Reception in the garden house at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables. Use the south entrance.
7:00 pm
First of two tram tours of the Garden. Inside, enjoy the jazz music of Joe Donato, and take the opportunity to purchase works from talented artists. The 76th Poinciana Queen and her Court will be announced and presented with scholarship funds. Learn the winner of the Larry Schokman book award, presented to a community member exemplifying the Tropical Flowering Tree Society’s goal to “Color the Horizon.” Join in for wine and cheese, the famous royal poinciana punch, and cake.
Admission to this evening event is free for TFTS members. A $5.00 fee will be charged to non-members.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Fishing for a Cause
The Monica Burguera Foundation is holding their 4th annual Fishing For a Cause on Saturday, June 15.
Shake-A-Leg, here in Coconut Grove, is the venue.
Fishing, weighing and awards and ceremony will all take place on the one day.
Besides getting a day of fishing and family fun, guests will support The Monica Burguera Foundation, a great local cause that works hard to educate our community of water-lovers on how to stay safe while navigating our beautiful waterways.
Registration for per boat is $300 ($250 before May 31), extra anglers on boat $50.00.
Registration fee includes: Captains Reception, Boat goodie bag, Tournament t-shirt, Sea Tow membership for boat registered, Day of fun for your family and friends, Post Tournament Cocktail Party, Award Ceremony and Supporting Boating Safety.
Individuals that don’t want to fish but want to support and attend $20.00.
To register and get more information, please contact Mari Novo at mm@monicaburguerafoundation.org or 305-398-4609.
Shake-A-Leg, here in Coconut Grove, is the venue.
Fishing, weighing and awards and ceremony will all take place on the one day.
Besides getting a day of fishing and family fun, guests will support The Monica Burguera Foundation, a great local cause that works hard to educate our community of water-lovers on how to stay safe while navigating our beautiful waterways.
Registration for per boat is $300 ($250 before May 31), extra anglers on boat $50.00.
Registration fee includes: Captains Reception, Boat goodie bag, Tournament t-shirt, Sea Tow membership for boat registered, Day of fun for your family and friends, Post Tournament Cocktail Party, Award Ceremony and Supporting Boating Safety.
Individuals that don’t want to fish but want to support and attend $20.00.
To register and get more information, please contact Mari Novo at mm@monicaburguerafoundation.org or 305-398-4609.
Gran Fondo coming back to Miami in November
More than a thousand participants are expected to participate in the California event, which will offer a fairly urban experience and a great opportunity to ride the distance, while experiencing the full flavor of a Giro d'Italia event.
“The Giro has a significant role in the sport, culture and social life of Italy,” said Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles Giuseppe Perrone. “It tells about our tradition and more than a century of history of our Country. The concept of making this experience available to an international audience, represents a great way to promote Italy. Pasadena, featuring tens of miles of bike routes, is definitely a perfect location to stage a cycling event, which is enjoying a growing success on the West Coast of the U.S.”
The East Coasts is getting ready as well for the second edition of the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Miami-Coral Gables, to be held on November 10. Registration for this event just opened and riders are pouring from all over the United States, Europe and South America. After the successful edition of 2012, the exotic appeal of the Magic City is expected to attract this year more than 2,000 cyclists, completing a rich season sweeping from Coast to Coast.
To register and to get lodging information click here.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
66 finalists named in Miami Knight Arts Challenge
The Bakehouse Art Complex is one of the finalists for the 2013 Knight Arts Challenge. One of 66 finalists, their project proposal is to strengthen their facility by updating the Bakehouse's workshops and adding a foundry for casting metals.
The current shared workshop areas include a print making workshop, clay/kiln room, darkroom, woodworking and welding areas. The number of workshop areas and their sheer size make the Bakehouse unique among South Florida art studio spaces. BAC Resident Artists are free to work in these spaces 24/7 and Associate Artists have access during business hours.
Their proposal will allow BAC to upgrade and repair equipment, install safety equipment/ call boxes, and offer public education programs taught by our Resident Artists specializing in the specific workshop area. Additionally, BAC has the opportunity to add a metal foundry for artists who work in various casting media including bronze, stainless steel, aluminum, and resin. This will be the only foundry open to the public, and one of the only foundry facilities in Miami-Dade County.
Another finalist is the Stiltsville Trust which would offer a place for artists-in-residence to work. The plan would be to shuttle artists back and forth to the seven Stiltsville houses out in Biscayne Bay, where they could create surrounded by the vast blue bay. Talk about artistic inspiration!
All finalists may be seen here.
The current shared workshop areas include a print making workshop, clay/kiln room, darkroom, woodworking and welding areas. The number of workshop areas and their sheer size make the Bakehouse unique among South Florida art studio spaces. BAC Resident Artists are free to work in these spaces 24/7 and Associate Artists have access during business hours.
Their proposal will allow BAC to upgrade and repair equipment, install safety equipment/ call boxes, and offer public education programs taught by our Resident Artists specializing in the specific workshop area. Additionally, BAC has the opportunity to add a metal foundry for artists who work in various casting media including bronze, stainless steel, aluminum, and resin. This will be the only foundry open to the public, and one of the only foundry facilities in Miami-Dade County.
Another finalist is the Stiltsville Trust which would offer a place for artists-in-residence to work. The plan would be to shuttle artists back and forth to the seven Stiltsville houses out in Biscayne Bay, where they could create surrounded by the vast blue bay. Talk about artistic inspiration!
All finalists may be seen here.
A case of "double dipping"
Mayor Tomas Regalado vetoed a "double dipping" incident last week at City Hall.
The City Commission voted 3-2 to allow four retired employees to come back to work for the City, which would of course allow them to receive a salary and also keep their City pension.
This sounds crazy when you think about it. At first glance I agree with the Mayor, especially since it was only available for four high paying jobs. But what's the difference if the people went elsewhere to work. While it is a case of double dipping, it's a legal case. Isn't it?
District Commissioner Marc Sarnoff proffered the bill and Commissioners Michelle Spence-Jones and Willy Gort voted in favor, Commissioners Francis Suarez and Frank Carollo voted against it.
From the Miami Herald report, "Some critics speculated the bill was crafted for a pair of outgoing senior assistant city attorneys who are set to retire at the same time as City Attorney Julie Bru at the end of September. Under the new law, if either Assistant City Attorney Maria Chiaro or Warren Bittner got Bru’s job, their yearly compensation would exceed $350,000."
The report went on to say, "Sarnoff denied the bill was crafted for any one individual. He said it was necessary because the city needs experienced personnel in the four positions at issue.Several residents and the city’s fire and police unions spoke out against the change."
I can understand that the city needs experienced personnel, but why not reach out for some fresh blood? But then again, if the four people got jobs in another municipality, how is that different? They did their time here and now they want to work again.
I am torn on this issue, I don't know what the answer is. Both sides make good points. While I usually agree with the police and fire unions, how many careers does a cop or fireman have? So many work 20 years then go on to other careers, isn't this similar to double dipping?
What do you think?
The City Commission voted 3-2 to allow four retired employees to come back to work for the City, which would of course allow them to receive a salary and also keep their City pension.
This sounds crazy when you think about it. At first glance I agree with the Mayor, especially since it was only available for four high paying jobs. But what's the difference if the people went elsewhere to work. While it is a case of double dipping, it's a legal case. Isn't it?
District Commissioner Marc Sarnoff proffered the bill and Commissioners Michelle Spence-Jones and Willy Gort voted in favor, Commissioners Francis Suarez and Frank Carollo voted against it.
From the Miami Herald report, "Some critics speculated the bill was crafted for a pair of outgoing senior assistant city attorneys who are set to retire at the same time as City Attorney Julie Bru at the end of September. Under the new law, if either Assistant City Attorney Maria Chiaro or Warren Bittner got Bru’s job, their yearly compensation would exceed $350,000."
The report went on to say, "Sarnoff denied the bill was crafted for any one individual. He said it was necessary because the city needs experienced personnel in the four positions at issue.Several residents and the city’s fire and police unions spoke out against the change."
I can understand that the city needs experienced personnel, but why not reach out for some fresh blood? But then again, if the four people got jobs in another municipality, how is that different? They did their time here and now they want to work again.
I am torn on this issue, I don't know what the answer is. Both sides make good points. While I usually agree with the police and fire unions, how many careers does a cop or fireman have? So many work 20 years then go on to other careers, isn't this similar to double dipping?
What do you think?
Monday, May 27, 2013
Sunday, May 26, 2013
And now for something silly . . .
Glittery wings. Whimsical outfits. Energetic dances. It may have been early on Saturday morning, but Old Cutler Road was lit up with festive sights and sounds for Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s first-ever Butterfly Migration Parade.
Last weekend, participants from all over Miami spread their wings and marched from Matheson Hammock Park to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in colorful butterfly displays. Fairchild staff rode in style on a shuttle decorated as a caterpillar with big eyes and pointy antennae. A fun float adorned with larger-than-life flowers and butterflies carried Ms. Miami 2013-2014 Isabelle Scott and her little sisters, University of Miami’s Sebastian the Ibis and Burnie the Miami Heat mascot. Local dignitaries from Coral Gables waved to spectators from cars and Segways. Miami Norland Senior High marching band drummers and Precious Pearls dance group, Hialeah Gardens Middle School drumline and dancers, and the Henry H. Filer Middle School Lady Panthers cheerleaders and Panther Starlets dancers gave great performances. Outfitted in vibrant apparel, the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue brought the celebration to life with high-energy drums and dancing. Even some Miami residents joined the parade, fluttering down the road dressed in bright colors and sparkly wings. 
Once the parade made its way through the gates of Fairchild, the Garden filled with the sounds of performances by drumlines, cheer squads and dance troops. The dance groups from local schools showed off some great routines, and the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue got the crowd dancing along to the beat of the drums. While DJ Crunchtime played some popular tunes, guests got their faces painted with lovely winged designs to complete their butterfly looks.
Like butterflies, people get hungry, too; luckily, there was plenty of food to go around. There were hot dogs and hamburgers on the Glasshouse Café patio, the Ms. Cheezious food truck served delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and Ecoripe Tropicals handed out samples of exotic rambutan fruit.
To truly appreciate our fluttering friends, Fairchild staff was on hand in front of the new butterfly conservatory to answer questions and teach visitors about the butterfly life cycle. Once they were inside the Wings of the Tropics exhibit, guests could see the thousands of stunning butterflies and their new friends on view hatching from chrysalis in the Butterfly Metamorphosis Lab.
Overall, it was a great day to be a butterfly fan. Fairchild will continue educating the community about these winged wonders and will most certainly keep celebrating our butterfly buddies.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Preserving Florida's Heritage
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources is presenting a series of regional meetings to provide citizens an opportunity to review the state’s new comprehensive historic preservation plan.
Participants will discuss how the plan can guide efforts to work together to preserve Florida’s history and historical, archaeological, and cultural resources. Full color copies and an executive summary will be available.
Miami's meeting is taking place, Wednesday, May 29 at the Vizcaya Village Garage, which is across the street from Vizcaya, next to the Science Museum, at 3251 S. Miami Avenue.
It's from 3 to 5 pm and open and free to the public.
For more info, please contact Kathleen Kauffman at 305.375.3506.
Participants will discuss how the plan can guide efforts to work together to preserve Florida’s history and historical, archaeological, and cultural resources. Full color copies and an executive summary will be available.
Miami's meeting is taking place, Wednesday, May 29 at the Vizcaya Village Garage, which is across the street from Vizcaya, next to the Science Museum, at 3251 S. Miami Avenue.
It's from 3 to 5 pm and open and free to the public.
For more info, please contact Kathleen Kauffman at 305.375.3506.
Welcome to Coconut Grove
My point was going to be that this is the entrance for thousands of people into the Grove. This is the first thing they see. All of our neighbors to the south, including new neighbor, Christian Slater see this mess, as they enter the Center Grove. Despicable.
I like the last line of the New Times story, a quote by Harry Emilio Gottlieb, "This blighted condition would not be tolerated by the county, City of Miami or any municipality if it was a private residence or commercial building."
True that.
Friday, May 24, 2013
End of an era
The Miami Herald has moved to Doral and their building on the bay is being torn down soon to put up a condo and maybe one day a huge casino. So the letters are coming down first. I guess they will be saved otherwise they would just be torn down with the building.
This reminds me of when they took the Miami News sign. I think I told this story before. As you know, The Miami Herald and The Miami News shared the building for many years after the Miami News left the Freedom Tower building, which was actually built in the 1920s for the Miami News as their production and printing facility.
Anyway, The Miami News ended operation the last day of 1989, I always resented the Herald for not buying it and keeping it going, but anyway, the sign came down.
One day, I was with my friend Ron Miller, who owned Community Newspapers, his sons, Grant and Michael own it now. Anyway, we went over to Ron's house and there in the backyard were the big metal letters that said "THE MIAMI NEWS." I picture them as blue but I remember on the building they were red, so I am guessing they were red. They sprawled all around the yard, leaning on the back fence surrounding the yard. They were huge! I want to say about 16 feet each more or less.
Ron said he had seen them in a junk yard somewhere and couldn't let them just go to scrap. I'm wondering what the fate of the old Miami Herald letters will be. But at least the Herald is still alive and well, so while the letters are classic and antique, it is only the end of the era of the building and not the era of The Miami Herald.
Bicycle Registration coming to the county
The Bicycle Registration application is coming to Miami-Dade County. It will be available via www.miamidade.gov in four to six months. Citizens will be able to register new and used bicycles by serial number. As stolen bicycles are recovered or pawned, notifications will be made to the owner.
The feasibility of charging a minimal fee for this service is being reviewed by the county Police Legal Bureau.
For more info, please contact the Acting Commander Ana Gispert, of the Information Technology Services Bureau, at 305-471-2610.
The feasibility of charging a minimal fee for this service is being reviewed by the county Police Legal Bureau.
For more info, please contact the Acting Commander Ana Gispert, of the Information Technology Services Bureau, at 305-471-2610.
Coconut Grove Fun Day planned
A group of neighbors are throwing a party.
Their goal is to create a more peaceful neighborhood in light of recent events including criminal activities and the death of a young man in their neighborhood.
You're welcome to come out Saturday, June 15, from 10 am to 6 pm at Carver Park (Armbrister Park, 236 Grand Avenue). There will be fun for everyone. After the event the group plans to offer more resources for the Coconut Grove Community such as a mentorship program.
If your organization would like to come out and set up booths on that day there will be plenty of space. They are in need of sponsors, volunteers, food, drinks and any assistance offered to make this event possible would be greatly appreciated. Please contact either Octavius or Tonisha with any assistance that can be offered. Email: mperez@cdc-florida.org
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Christian Slater moves to Coconut Grove
According to Curbed Miami, we have a new neighbor in the Coconut Grove. Christian Slater bought a home on St. Gauden's. He can be gleaming the cube right here in our hood. Details and pics here.
Some new things around town
The former restaurant/club space on Mary and Florida, across from the Bookstore, is being transformed into law offices and a small restaurant at one end, which is still available for rent. It was a large multi-level club space. I have a couple of businesses in mind for the restaurant, who have been trying to get into the Grove, but the high rents have kept them out. They're two very well known restaurants in other parts of the county that would like to expand into our market.
We have two new coffee shops on the verge of opening in the Grove. A Nespresso place is almost ready to open on Fuller Street, where the Design Bar home store was, Design Bar moved to the end of Commodore Plaza. Also, The Blonde Tulip flower shop has been working on a small coffee and pastry shop inside the flower shop. It's been in the works for awhile. No opening date set.
Noel, who owns the tattoo and piercing shops is now opening the "new" Yucky's. As you know the original Yucky's on Main Highway closed after being an institution for so many years. Noel bought the Yucky's name and is transforming the place into an "upscale smoke shop," in his words. Noel's got his own little red light district right here in Coconut Grove.
I stopped by yesterday, they are still in the painting and transforming phase, but it will be new from the ground up. Yucky's is quite well known in hippie circles and many tourists ask for it when in town.
We have two new coffee shops on the verge of opening in the Grove. A Nespresso place is almost ready to open on Fuller Street, where the Design Bar home store was, Design Bar moved to the end of Commodore Plaza. Also, The Blonde Tulip flower shop has been working on a small coffee and pastry shop inside the flower shop. It's been in the works for awhile. No opening date set.
Noel, who owns the tattoo and piercing shops is now opening the "new" Yucky's. As you know the original Yucky's on Main Highway closed after being an institution for so many years. Noel bought the Yucky's name and is transforming the place into an "upscale smoke shop," in his words. Noel's got his own little red light district right here in Coconut Grove.
I stopped by yesterday, they are still in the painting and transforming phase, but it will be new from the ground up. Yucky's is quite well known in hippie circles and many tourists ask for it when in town.
Sign up a team for Bed Race starting today!
This year, the race falls on Sunday, September 1, 2013. Be a part of Grove tradition. Sign up under Women's, Men's Co-ed or Corporate teams!
If you have never participated, this is the year! Join the crazy fun.
This year, the JCI Local Initiatives, Miami Children's Hospital and the Thanksgiving Food Drive are the beneficiaries.
For those of you who are new to this, here's a bit of the fun from previous years.
Halloween
Getting rid of Halloween is the subject in Coconut Grove again, it was brought up at the recent BID meeting and it's been an ongoing topic. For some reason, some people want to see it gone. They don't like thousands of people coming to the Grove on Halloween night. I'm not quite sure why, because it is a money maker for the restaurants and bars and most of the other businesses are not affected because they are closed at night.
While some think there is trouble, it's not really out of the ordinary for any big event, the police have said that themselves at many meetings, they call it business as usual. The fact remains that there is sometimes trouble, but nothing that affects the Grove itself. There is not damage to businesses, windows are not broken, nothing is vandalized and it's a good time. If any one entity would complain, it would be CocoWalk since they get so many people in one small location, but they are in favor of leaving Halloween as it is.
I asked at the BID meeting what the concern was, why does anyone care about the crowds? I was told that the trash is an issue and the cost for police is another issue -- over 100 police officers are deployed here that night. But this is not a sanctioned event. No one is claiming it, no one runs it. It is an event that just happens. People show up. So the Grove is not paying for the police or city services which is the case with so many events.
At the end of the night the city cleans the streets and at the end of the day, the police are paid by the city. The police are going to be paid by the city no matter what and trash is going to be picked up no matter what. I am sure that most communities that deal with Halloween deal with this, too. As the Grove is off the hook for any responsibility, what is the problem?
Years ago, Ft. Lauderdale got rid of Spring Break, almost overnight, I think they may regret it now. But regarding the city expense to clean up and the police expense, keep in mind that this expense may always exist for the City of Miami because if people are pushed out of the Grove, they may end up at Mary Brickell Village or Wynwood or Midtown and all these places are part of the City of Miami, so in the end, the city is still paying police and paying for clean up. If Coconut Grove was it's own city, like say Key Biscayne or Coral Gables, I would understand the issue with all the expenses. But this is the City of Miami's expense.
One interesting concept that came up was port-o-potties. There aren't enough now. So perhaps all the bars and restaurants can chip in for those and that will solve what probably is a major problem. But the businesses may be hesitant simply because no one wants to claim ownership to this mad night in Coconut Grove and if they pay for port-o-potties, are they claiming ownership in some way?
The Grove is the Halloween place to be for so many. Early in October, usually October 1 or 2, I write a Halloween story about Coconut Grove, even if I am not sure of all the activities that might be planned, because that's a top search term on Google. Starting October 1, people are searching "Coconut Grove Halloween," and so I put a story there for them to find.
That's how popular it is. While South Beach has their wild event, we still have our wildness here and people are planning on it.
While some think there is trouble, it's not really out of the ordinary for any big event, the police have said that themselves at many meetings, they call it business as usual. The fact remains that there is sometimes trouble, but nothing that affects the Grove itself. There is not damage to businesses, windows are not broken, nothing is vandalized and it's a good time. If any one entity would complain, it would be CocoWalk since they get so many people in one small location, but they are in favor of leaving Halloween as it is.
I asked at the BID meeting what the concern was, why does anyone care about the crowds? I was told that the trash is an issue and the cost for police is another issue -- over 100 police officers are deployed here that night. But this is not a sanctioned event. No one is claiming it, no one runs it. It is an event that just happens. People show up. So the Grove is not paying for the police or city services which is the case with so many events.
At the end of the night the city cleans the streets and at the end of the day, the police are paid by the city. The police are going to be paid by the city no matter what and trash is going to be picked up no matter what. I am sure that most communities that deal with Halloween deal with this, too. As the Grove is off the hook for any responsibility, what is the problem?
Years ago, Ft. Lauderdale got rid of Spring Break, almost overnight, I think they may regret it now. But regarding the city expense to clean up and the police expense, keep in mind that this expense may always exist for the City of Miami because if people are pushed out of the Grove, they may end up at Mary Brickell Village or Wynwood or Midtown and all these places are part of the City of Miami, so in the end, the city is still paying police and paying for clean up. If Coconut Grove was it's own city, like say Key Biscayne or Coral Gables, I would understand the issue with all the expenses. But this is the City of Miami's expense.
One interesting concept that came up was port-o-potties. There aren't enough now. So perhaps all the bars and restaurants can chip in for those and that will solve what probably is a major problem. But the businesses may be hesitant simply because no one wants to claim ownership to this mad night in Coconut Grove and if they pay for port-o-potties, are they claiming ownership in some way?
The Grove is the Halloween place to be for so many. Early in October, usually October 1 or 2, I write a Halloween story about Coconut Grove, even if I am not sure of all the activities that might be planned, because that's a top search term on Google. Starting October 1, people are searching "Coconut Grove Halloween," and so I put a story there for them to find.
That's how popular it is. While South Beach has their wild event, we still have our wildness here and people are planning on it.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Call to artists for Poster Design Competition
The Dynamo Gallery at CocoWalk is having it's first Poster Design Competition.
The submission deadline is June 1 and the showing and announcement for the winners is in September.
1st prize is $1000; 2nd prize is $500 and 3rd prize is $300; People's Choice is $200.
Anyone can participate, the entry fee is $35 for two images, you can send them in as regular art or digitally. The subjects are Art, Technology, Humanity and Ecology.
All the info is at their website here.
The submission deadline is June 1 and the showing and announcement for the winners is in September.
1st prize is $1000; 2nd prize is $500 and 3rd prize is $300; People's Choice is $200.
Anyone can participate, the entry fee is $35 for two images, you can send them in as regular art or digitally. The subjects are Art, Technology, Humanity and Ecology.
All the info is at their website here.
Special Crime Watch Meeting
The Golden Pines Neighborhood Association is hosting a Crime Watch meeting on Tuesday, June 4 at 7 pm at Douglas Park (2755 Douglas Road in Coconut Grove).
The association would like me to remind everyone that crime is happening on both sides of US1. Mayor Regalado, Commissioner Sarnoff and the police will be attending this meeting, so many of your questions may be answered right on the spot.
Further, Commissioner Sarnoff started a petition here to get more police on the streets in the City of Miami.
The association would like me to remind everyone that crime is happening on both sides of US1. Mayor Regalado, Commissioner Sarnoff and the police will be attending this meeting, so many of your questions may be answered right on the spot.
Further, Commissioner Sarnoff started a petition here to get more police on the streets in the City of Miami.
The sour puss from West Kendall
Ok first off, please read this with a grain of salt. I actually love the whole county, all of South Florida in fact. I have family in West Kendall and I am just responding because I have received a lot of rude comments here from people who live outside the Grove, telling us all how horrible the Grove really is. I'm not sure why they feel the need to do that, but I suspect they secretly deep down wish they lived here. There is something interesting psychologically about people who continue to read the Grapevine when they don't have to, and then put down Coconut Grove in the comments section.
I've been blocking a lot of nasty comments that have been left mostly about our little Red Headed Bamby and Clyde group (thanks Sandi for that name). Apparently, according to the comments, most people who don't live in the Grove enjoy crime free lives and beautiful sunny days 365 days a year. They live among rainbows and angels and God shines his light on them and has forsaken Coconut Grove. This is basically their words if you read between the lines.
This one comment that didn't go through was: "I'm in West Kendall and I love it. You don't see the stuff you guys go through here. Why would anybody want to live in the Grove. It's so boring and surrounded by a terrible neighborhood and Miami Police are way corrupt not to mention you get way more for your buck here. I am so glad I only rented while I was in the Grove and never bought there."
I am bringing back the Sour Grapes Award from a few years back, because if anyone deserves it this person does. I can smell those mushy sour concords all the way from his/her cookie cutter community out in the Everglades, I mean West Kendall. I think if he/she was so proud of his/her community, they would have signed their post and not been an Anonymousposer poster.
No offense to West Kendall, but if anyone ever tries to drag me out there, I beg you, shoot me in the middle of my head and dump me in the bay, yes, beautiful Biscayne Bay, which we all see glistening out our windows daily in our beautiful little tree lined village, with the red brick winding sidewalks, where everyone knows your name and where life is really pleasant and beautiful; where we don't need cars and can just walk outside to galleries, outdoor cafes, the gym, and the movies; where you can actually walk or ride bikes, rollerblades or skateboards down the street and most people who pass by know you by name and call out "hello" to you, including the police, who know us all by name.
We can sail, run, and enjoy our many parks, and just dwell in our misery (according to our commenter). We can be miserable as we enjoy happy hour at the 100 year old Taurus bar or watch the sunset from the roof of the Mayfair or Sonesta, or watch the games at the Sandbar, Barracuda and The Grove Spot. And of course it's always annoying waiting for a table at Lulu, LoKal or Greenstreets, because they are always so crowded with West Kendallites who seem to like to share our Grove misery with us.
We Grovites, must endure the Bed Races, the King Mango Strut, Halloween, the Arts Festival and all those pesky things that don't happen out in West Kendall. Oh yea, most of the 5K's and marathons pass through or little village, so we're stuck waving and passing out water to those people that run by, but hey, it's part of quaint village life, we deal with it.
We also have to deal with all the trees and grass and cottages (and dog parks) and again, the bay, right there out our door with the large yachts, small crafts and sailboats, with Key Biscayne and Stiltsville in the distance. We have to deal with Hollywood film and tv companies taking over very often and Burn Notice does block the streets a lot, but hey, they'll be gone soon.
As for boating, we do deal with all those boaters from West Kendall, too, who feel that the free Seminole Boat Ramp is theirs to use on weekends. They come in by the droves, blocking our streets, you know, South Bayshore Drive and SW 27th Avenue. Maybe we should start charging for that so they are not forced to come here and be part of our horrible little village.
Speaking of boaters, we have to also deal with thousands of sailors every year as we are the largest regatta area in the country, for six months we deal with these luxurious people who enter the village and fill the waterfront with sailboats and races and all that sporting life stuff, reminds us of New England, but we deal with it. We also have that old rat trap the 150 year old Barnacle and it's huge front lawn filled with picnics and barn dances and cars shows that goes down to the bay, you are lucky to deal with your oldest dwelling only being circa 1990s in West Kendall, we have to deal with actual Florida history here.
In Coconut Grove, we have to deal with the easy proximity to Coral Gables, South Miami, Brickell, Wynwood and South Beach where we are part of culture within minutes. We have to be miserable in all this, because alas, we don't live in West Kendall like our illustrious Anonymous commenter.
And yes, we bitch and moan and argue with each other, but that's what families do, you see, unlike many neighborhoods, we all know our neighbors, who are our friends (and family), so we do family things like argue, disagree and bitch and moan. It's part of life. If we didn't know each other and didn't care about our community, we wouldn't be so passionate.
For those of you who love and live in beautiful downtown West Kendall, more power to you. I prefer to dwell in my misery here. I like having an actual community, a village with an actual name.
Oh, and no comments will be published on this post that are put downs to our little Grove community, because frankly, if you don't have something nice to say then don't say anything.
We don't post put downs in the West Kendall Gazette. If we are stupid enough to live here in little old Coconut Grove, why make fun of us? Huh? Anonymous person from West Kendall? Why? Ignorance is bliss. We are happy being ignorant. Leave us in our bliss.
From Living the Law of Attraction: "Whenever somebody puts you down, keep in mind that they are speaking from within the boundaries of their own limitations. Ignore them."
I've been blocking a lot of nasty comments that have been left mostly about our little Red Headed Bamby and Clyde group (thanks Sandi for that name). Apparently, according to the comments, most people who don't live in the Grove enjoy crime free lives and beautiful sunny days 365 days a year. They live among rainbows and angels and God shines his light on them and has forsaken Coconut Grove. This is basically their words if you read between the lines.
It looks like it's open season on us Grovites from people who have lived here and left here or people who don't live here yet feel it is their duty to read the Coconut Grove news (the Grapevine) and then comment negatively on our little village. I'm not sure why, I don't read their local news, yet they feel the need to come back daily to read every detail of our lives. Go figure.
This one comment that didn't go through was: "I'm in West Kendall and I love it. You don't see the stuff you guys go through here. Why would anybody want to live in the Grove. It's so boring and surrounded by a terrible neighborhood and Miami Police are way corrupt not to mention you get way more for your buck here. I am so glad I only rented while I was in the Grove and never bought there."
I am bringing back the Sour Grapes Award from a few years back, because if anyone deserves it this person does. I can smell those mushy sour concords all the way from his/her cookie cutter community out in the Everglades, I mean West Kendall. I think if he/she was so proud of his/her community, they would have signed their post and not been an Anonymous
No offense to West Kendall, but if anyone ever tries to drag me out there, I beg you, shoot me in the middle of my head and dump me in the bay, yes, beautiful Biscayne Bay, which we all see glistening out our windows daily in our beautiful little tree lined village, with the red brick winding sidewalks, where everyone knows your name and where life is really pleasant and beautiful; where we don't need cars and can just walk outside to galleries, outdoor cafes, the gym, and the movies; where you can actually walk or ride bikes, rollerblades or skateboards down the street and most people who pass by know you by name and call out "hello" to you, including the police, who know us all by name.
We can sail, run, and enjoy our many parks, and just dwell in our misery (according to our commenter). We can be miserable as we enjoy happy hour at the 100 year old Taurus bar or watch the sunset from the roof of the Mayfair or Sonesta, or watch the games at the Sandbar, Barracuda and The Grove Spot. And of course it's always annoying waiting for a table at Lulu, LoKal or Greenstreets, because they are always so crowded with West Kendallites who seem to like to share our Grove misery with us.
We Grovites, must endure the Bed Races, the King Mango Strut, Halloween, the Arts Festival and all those pesky things that don't happen out in West Kendall. Oh yea, most of the 5K's and marathons pass through or little village, so we're stuck waving and passing out water to those people that run by, but hey, it's part of quaint village life, we deal with it.
We also have to deal with all the trees and grass and cottages (and dog parks) and again, the bay, right there out our door with the large yachts, small crafts and sailboats, with Key Biscayne and Stiltsville in the distance. We have to deal with Hollywood film and tv companies taking over very often and Burn Notice does block the streets a lot, but hey, they'll be gone soon.
As for boating, we do deal with all those boaters from West Kendall, too, who feel that the free Seminole Boat Ramp is theirs to use on weekends. They come in by the droves, blocking our streets, you know, South Bayshore Drive and SW 27th Avenue. Maybe we should start charging for that so they are not forced to come here and be part of our horrible little village.
Speaking of boaters, we have to also deal with thousands of sailors every year as we are the largest regatta area in the country, for six months we deal with these luxurious people who enter the village and fill the waterfront with sailboats and races and all that sporting life stuff, reminds us of New England, but we deal with it. We also have that old rat trap the 150 year old Barnacle and it's huge front lawn filled with picnics and barn dances and cars shows that goes down to the bay, you are lucky to deal with your oldest dwelling only being circa 1990s in West Kendall, we have to deal with actual Florida history here.
In Coconut Grove, we have to deal with the easy proximity to Coral Gables, South Miami, Brickell, Wynwood and South Beach where we are part of culture within minutes. We have to be miserable in all this, because alas, we don't live in West Kendall like our illustrious Anonymous commenter.
And yes, we bitch and moan and argue with each other, but that's what families do, you see, unlike many neighborhoods, we all know our neighbors, who are our friends (and family), so we do family things like argue, disagree and bitch and moan. It's part of life. If we didn't know each other and didn't care about our community, we wouldn't be so passionate.
For those of you who love and live in beautiful downtown West Kendall, more power to you. I prefer to dwell in my misery here. I like having an actual community, a village with an actual name.
Oh, and no comments will be published on this post that are put downs to our little Grove community, because frankly, if you don't have something nice to say then don't say anything.
We don't post put downs in the West Kendall Gazette. If we are stupid enough to live here in little old Coconut Grove, why make fun of us? Huh? Anonymous person from West Kendall? Why? Ignorance is bliss. We are happy being ignorant. Leave us in our bliss.
From Living the Law of Attraction: "Whenever somebody puts you down, keep in mind that they are speaking from within the boundaries of their own limitations. Ignore them."
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Charles Avenue Historic Board meeting
The Charles Avenue Historic Preservation Board meets again, May 22.
Key points will be discussed in regards to a comprehensive approach and sustainable long-term revitalization activity in each area of public improvement.
The Historical Assets, Living Assets, Enhancement and the Neighborhood Conservation District Committee (NCD) will review photos submitted, drawings sketches and they will address the five favorite samples of porches, homes, lamps and banners. The final approved presentations will then be submitted to the newly appointed NCD committee.
The meeting is open to the public. Anyone interested in the revitalization of Charles Avenue is requested to attend.
The meeting is May 22 at Virrick Park (3255 Plaza Street), in the computer room, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Key points will be discussed in regards to a comprehensive approach and sustainable long-term revitalization activity in each area of public improvement.
The Historical Assets, Living Assets, Enhancement and the Neighborhood Conservation District Committee (NCD) will review photos submitted, drawings sketches and they will address the five favorite samples of porches, homes, lamps and banners. The final approved presentations will then be submitted to the newly appointed NCD committee.
The meeting is open to the public. Anyone interested in the revitalization of Charles Avenue is requested to attend.
The meeting is May 22 at Virrick Park (3255 Plaza Street), in the computer room, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Musicians needed for Fete de la Musique
The streets of Coconut Grove will be filled with music again when Fete de la Musique returns June 21.
There are openings for musicians and bands for their next live Fete de la Musique street festival. Like other street festivals on the summer solstice, bands play for free to promote themselves and their gigs as well as to encourage live music. The event is from 7 to 11 pm.
All types of music are being considered from rock, cover, jazz, blues, folk, latin and acapella. Go to www.fetegrove.com and click on musicians to apply. The organizers ask that bands provide a a link to a video for evaluation.
This is an annual celebration of music in the streets; an American musician came up with the idea in 1976, his idea was to build peace by the means of music. The actual event first took place in Paris in 1982 and has spread to over 450 cities all over the world. It takes place place on the Summer Solstice. The Miami Conservatory of Music produces the event here in Coconut Grove.
Here is last year's event.
6th Annual Taste of the Gables back this June
Now that we have the Great Taste of the Grove under our belts, it's time for The Taste of Gables which is back in Coral Gables on Thursday, June 6 at 6:30 pm.
This is the 6th annual Taste of the Gables which kicks off Coral Gables restaurant week. Taste samples from 20 Restaurant Week participants, vote for your “Best Taste of the Gables,” and try a cocktail or two!
Presented by Barcardi USA, there will be plenty of food and activities, so stop by with an empty stomach. Tickets are $25 general admission and $50 VIP and are on sale now, so get yours before they sell out. Visit their website for more info and to purchase tickets here.
This is the 6th annual Taste of the Gables which kicks off Coral Gables restaurant week. Taste samples from 20 Restaurant Week participants, vote for your “Best Taste of the Gables,” and try a cocktail or two!
Presented by Barcardi USA, there will be plenty of food and activities, so stop by with an empty stomach. Tickets are $25 general admission and $50 VIP and are on sale now, so get yours before they sell out. Visit their website for more info and to purchase tickets here.
I write facts and opinions; I don't make stuff up
From Living the Law of Attraction: "Whenever somebody discredits you, and tells you that you can't do something, keep in mind that they are speaking from within the boundaries of their own limitations. Ignore them. Don't give in. In this crazy world that's trying to make you like everyone else, find the courage to keep being your awesome self. And when they laugh at you for being different, laugh back at them for being the same."
This sort of applies here and I should just ignore it, but I can't.
People send my stories around in emails. I don't like it. I know I should love the exposure, but I don't care for it. I have a good friend that does that. He'll send good news, bad news, whatever, to people. Usually if I write about someone he'll send it. I wrote about Wendy Williams at Books & Books and he sent the article to Books & Books, I'm sure if he know how to reach Wendy, he would have sent it to her. I write about the Glass House RFP and he sends the story to people involved with the RFP and the City, but for some reason, it always ends up with someone complaining about something. So in this instance, people were sending my story on the recent crime in the Grove around in emails. They were sending the story to the authorities and asking them, "Why aren't you doing anything about the crime?" When in all reality, we know the police are doing all they can. It's not a "Murder She Wrote" episode where the crime is solved in an hour, it takes time.
Ron Nelson, Commissioner Sarnoff's Chief of Staff, usually calls me on things, literally on the phone, but here is an email going around that he wrote after people read this story in the Grapevine and in emails shared by the neighbors. I think Ron and I are on the same page and people may be reading other things into what's written but I only state facts that I get from people involved in the incidents. I don't make the stuff up.
For many years I did not report crimes because I just didn't feel it was necessary, but people requested that I do, so I am. If you guys don't want me to, I won't. It's work getting the stories and the facts and speaking with the police, etc. And yes, I only publish the facts as told to me. I don't speculate. I do add color, like calling the Red Haired girl a Creep, but the facts about the case are all facts told to me.
There has been lots of emails going around from neighbor to neighbor in the North Grove, I don't receive any of them from the group emailing back and forth, but I have been mentioned in them. There are dozens of people cc'd in the emails so once in awhile someone will randomly send me one of them. The red below, are my comments to Ron's email regarding one of the emails I was mentioned in, I just want people to understand where I am coming from. I don't like people talking behind my back. I respect Ron, I know he respects me.
From Ron:
There have been so many emails that I think most are now confused. The emails below are particularly troubling to me. The Grapevine is a blog and Tom many times writes thoughts and opinions mixed with goings on. Sometimes the stories are factually correct and sometimes they are not.
(My stories are as correct and factual as I can make them, I get the info from people involved in the stories, if they give me wrong info it is corrected as soon as I am given the correct info, but I never just make things up for the sake of making things up. This has been how I have operated for eight years, if there is an error, someone will tell me and I'll change it without making a big deal about it. No one has corrected me on the subject of the recent burglaries so I am assuming it's all correct).
The police do not and should not report every action they take.
(I agree, but the do like to talk when people ask).
The residents that live near the 27th Ave Metro Rail Station are quite pleased that the police have reacted to issues near the station.
(These are Douglas Park residents, not Coconut Grove residents. Not that it matters, but they are having burglary issues, too, and there is a big meeting at Douglas Park next month with the Mayor, Commissioner and Police, It is June 4, I was invited to attend. I'll post the details tomorrow if you all would care to attend.)
·
There is no evidence that these purported “homeless” people have moved into our neighborhoods and are stealing from North Grove residents.
(It wasn't purported homeless people, I specified that it was the Red Haired Girl and Her Gang, the 3 to 5 of them), I don't even know that they were homeless, they just were known to hang out at the Metrorail according to my police source. They said they were living there. I got these facts from the police. But it stands to reason that if these loiterers were chased from the Metrorail Station, they ended up elsewhere, they didn't just vanish into thin air).
It is not against the law to be homeless.
(I have NEVER said it is against the law to be homeless and I feel for homeless people and always think, "There but for the grace of God go I." I am one of the few who support them any way I can especially when the police and others are hassling them. I know a lot of the homeless people in the Grove by name and they know me. I used to feed the homeless until I was told by authorities not to).
By the way, according to this article in The Miami New Times, the City wants to make it illegal to be homeless.
Tom did make a very important point. If a person on the street is trying to sell you something that is obviously under value or brand new still in the box, DO NOT BUY IT, and report it to the police. (Amen).
The police have repeatedly tried to get the CVS store to take action against the continuous shoplifting. To date the store and the corporate have refuse stating that confrontation is more dangerous and that it is simply a cost of doing business. Perhaps the cost of doing business should be the loss of our business.
Tom writes about a traffic enforcement issue, and I hope that is an over simplified explanation. There is one thing I can tell you. We get many more complaints about the lack of traffic enforcement than we do enforcement.
(Not sure what this means. I agree we need more enforcement, I think I posted a story recently about the crazy drivers around here, the police officer I wrote about was just being nasty that day, when they aren't our usual NRO's they aren't so friendly).
Please remember that the young woman with red hair has not been positively linked to any crime.
(And yet all reports say so, including homeowners who have been burglarized, the police and the report below from Crime Watch).
All of that said please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police and your neighbors. The All Grove Crime Watch meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at Stephen’s Church. This group has received national recognition, and if you really want to know what the police are doing and what is going on you should attend.
Best and respectfully
Ron Nelson
Chief of Staff
Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff
City of Miami District 2
(Or you could read the updates here in the Grapevine since we are all on the same page and reporting the same thing. I just don't understand how my facts are being called wrong but Crime Watch is being called right, when the facts are exactly the same. I actually left some items out because I wasn't sure they were correct so I didn't want to publish them, like the "vigilant neighbor" [see below] spotting the suspects. I wasn't sure they actually saw the "real" suspects, so I didn't report that).
The "vigilant neighbor" ended up being friends of mine who saw the supposed suspects, they called the police and the police actually told them to call Crime Watch if you can believe that. The police dispatcher spent most of the call asking my friend if he had a case number, if he was victimized, if he knew for sure it was them, etc. So you see something, you say something and nothing happens. Maybe it's the lack of police on the force and they try to be diligent about just sending an officer out for every call. After 20 minutes on the call, my friends just gave up and I don't know if an officer ever was sent out to look for the suspicious people.
This is quite strange in that it happened right near Commissioner Sarnoff's house near the dog park, so for all these people claiming he has 24 hour security at his house, etc. apparently that is not the case.
HERE IS THE CRIME WATCH REPORT THAT WAS SENT TO THE NEIGHBORS WHO ARE ON THEIR EMAIL LIST. NOTICE THEIR DESCRIPTION OF THE GIRL AND ONE OF THE GUYS, QUITE CLEAR IS THE COLOR OF HER HAIR:
FROM CRIME WATCH (The group that has received national recognition):
Please be on the lookout for a female, 18-20, with shoulder-length fire-red hair and a male companion, possibly Hispanic; both who appear 18- 20 years old.
They are apparently involved in recent home burglaries in the Grove, several which have occurred this month in the North Grove between 22nd and 27th Avenue, and also in the Center Grove.
Yesterday afternoon (Friday) around 5 pm, they were spotted by a vigilant neighbor on Shipping Avenue near Mary street in the Center Grove, walking toward the Dog Park, with the female wearing a black top with jeans, and the male wearing a black FSU shirt with white cargo pants.
The police were called by neighbors, but the pair, sensing surveillance by neighbors, fled before police arrived.
If you see these persons, please do the following out of sight of the suspects:
1. Call 911 and request a marked unit to the scene.
2. Then after speaking with 911, immediately call all the following numbers to give detailed description
A) Commander Gentry at 786-521-0599
B) Neighborhood Resource Officer Vasquez at 954-821-4755
C) Neighborhood Resource Officer Vital at 786-529-7524
D) Police Grove BID Officer at 786-343-2765
This sort of applies here and I should just ignore it, but I can't.
People send my stories around in emails. I don't like it. I know I should love the exposure, but I don't care for it. I have a good friend that does that. He'll send good news, bad news, whatever, to people. Usually if I write about someone he'll send it. I wrote about Wendy Williams at Books & Books and he sent the article to Books & Books, I'm sure if he know how to reach Wendy, he would have sent it to her. I write about the Glass House RFP and he sends the story to people involved with the RFP and the City, but for some reason, it always ends up with someone complaining about something. So in this instance, people were sending my story on the recent crime in the Grove around in emails. They were sending the story to the authorities and asking them, "Why aren't you doing anything about the crime?" When in all reality, we know the police are doing all they can. It's not a "Murder She Wrote" episode where the crime is solved in an hour, it takes time.
Ron Nelson, Commissioner Sarnoff's Chief of Staff, usually calls me on things, literally on the phone, but here is an email going around that he wrote after people read this story in the Grapevine and in emails shared by the neighbors. I think Ron and I are on the same page and people may be reading other things into what's written but I only state facts that I get from people involved in the incidents. I don't make the stuff up.
For many years I did not report crimes because I just didn't feel it was necessary, but people requested that I do, so I am. If you guys don't want me to, I won't. It's work getting the stories and the facts and speaking with the police, etc. And yes, I only publish the facts as told to me. I don't speculate. I do add color, like calling the Red Haired girl a Creep, but the facts about the case are all facts told to me.
There has been lots of emails going around from neighbor to neighbor in the North Grove, I don't receive any of them from the group emailing back and forth, but I have been mentioned in them. There are dozens of people cc'd in the emails so once in awhile someone will randomly send me one of them. The red below, are my comments to Ron's email regarding one of the emails I was mentioned in, I just want people to understand where I am coming from. I don't like people talking behind my back. I respect Ron, I know he respects me.
From Ron:
There have been so many emails that I think most are now confused. The emails below are particularly troubling to me. The Grapevine is a blog and Tom many times writes thoughts and opinions mixed with goings on. Sometimes the stories are factually correct and sometimes they are not.
(My stories are as correct and factual as I can make them, I get the info from people involved in the stories, if they give me wrong info it is corrected as soon as I am given the correct info, but I never just make things up for the sake of making things up. This has been how I have operated for eight years, if there is an error, someone will tell me and I'll change it without making a big deal about it. No one has corrected me on the subject of the recent burglaries so I am assuming it's all correct).
The police do not and should not report every action they take.
(I agree, but the do like to talk when people ask).
The residents that live near the 27th Ave Metro Rail Station are quite pleased that the police have reacted to issues near the station.
(These are Douglas Park residents, not Coconut Grove residents. Not that it matters, but they are having burglary issues, too, and there is a big meeting at Douglas Park next month with the Mayor, Commissioner and Police, It is June 4, I was invited to attend. I'll post the details tomorrow if you all would care to attend.)
·
There is no evidence that these purported “homeless” people have moved into our neighborhoods and are stealing from North Grove residents.
(It wasn't purported homeless people, I specified that it was the Red Haired Girl and Her Gang, the 3 to 5 of them), I don't even know that they were homeless, they just were known to hang out at the Metrorail according to my police source. They said they were living there. I got these facts from the police. But it stands to reason that if these loiterers were chased from the Metrorail Station, they ended up elsewhere, they didn't just vanish into thin air).
It is not against the law to be homeless.
(I have NEVER said it is against the law to be homeless and I feel for homeless people and always think, "There but for the grace of God go I." I am one of the few who support them any way I can especially when the police and others are hassling them. I know a lot of the homeless people in the Grove by name and they know me. I used to feed the homeless until I was told by authorities not to).
By the way, according to this article in The Miami New Times, the City wants to make it illegal to be homeless.
Tom did make a very important point. If a person on the street is trying to sell you something that is obviously under value or brand new still in the box, DO NOT BUY IT, and report it to the police. (Amen).
The police have repeatedly tried to get the CVS store to take action against the continuous shoplifting. To date the store and the corporate have refuse stating that confrontation is more dangerous and that it is simply a cost of doing business. Perhaps the cost of doing business should be the loss of our business.
Tom writes about a traffic enforcement issue, and I hope that is an over simplified explanation. There is one thing I can tell you. We get many more complaints about the lack of traffic enforcement than we do enforcement.
(Not sure what this means. I agree we need more enforcement, I think I posted a story recently about the crazy drivers around here, the police officer I wrote about was just being nasty that day, when they aren't our usual NRO's they aren't so friendly).
Please remember that the young woman with red hair has not been positively linked to any crime.
(And yet all reports say so, including homeowners who have been burglarized, the police and the report below from Crime Watch).
All of that said please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police and your neighbors. The All Grove Crime Watch meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at Stephen’s Church. This group has received national recognition, and if you really want to know what the police are doing and what is going on you should attend.
Best and respectfully
Ron Nelson
Chief of Staff
Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff
City of Miami District 2
(Or you could read the updates here in the Grapevine since we are all on the same page and reporting the same thing. I just don't understand how my facts are being called wrong but Crime Watch is being called right, when the facts are exactly the same. I actually left some items out because I wasn't sure they were correct so I didn't want to publish them, like the "vigilant neighbor" [see below] spotting the suspects. I wasn't sure they actually saw the "real" suspects, so I didn't report that).
The "vigilant neighbor" ended up being friends of mine who saw the supposed suspects, they called the police and the police actually told them to call Crime Watch if you can believe that. The police dispatcher spent most of the call asking my friend if he had a case number, if he was victimized, if he knew for sure it was them, etc. So you see something, you say something and nothing happens. Maybe it's the lack of police on the force and they try to be diligent about just sending an officer out for every call. After 20 minutes on the call, my friends just gave up and I don't know if an officer ever was sent out to look for the suspicious people.
This is quite strange in that it happened right near Commissioner Sarnoff's house near the dog park, so for all these people claiming he has 24 hour security at his house, etc. apparently that is not the case.
HERE IS THE CRIME WATCH REPORT THAT WAS SENT TO THE NEIGHBORS WHO ARE ON THEIR EMAIL LIST. NOTICE THEIR DESCRIPTION OF THE GIRL AND ONE OF THE GUYS, QUITE CLEAR IS THE COLOR OF HER HAIR:
FROM CRIME WATCH (The group that has received national recognition):
Please be on the lookout for a female, 18-20, with shoulder-length fire-red hair and a male companion, possibly Hispanic; both who appear 18- 20 years old.
They are apparently involved in recent home burglaries in the Grove, several which have occurred this month in the North Grove between 22nd and 27th Avenue, and also in the Center Grove.
Yesterday afternoon (Friday) around 5 pm, they were spotted by a vigilant neighbor on Shipping Avenue near Mary street in the Center Grove, walking toward the Dog Park, with the female wearing a black top with jeans, and the male wearing a black FSU shirt with white cargo pants.
The police were called by neighbors, but the pair, sensing surveillance by neighbors, fled before police arrived.
If you see these persons, please do the following out of sight of the suspects:
1. Call 911 and request a marked unit to the scene.
2. Then after speaking with 911, immediately call all the following numbers to give detailed description
A) Commander Gentry at 786-521-0599
B) Neighborhood Resource Officer Vasquez at 954-821-4755
C) Neighborhood Resource Officer Vital at 786-529-7524
D) Police Grove BID Officer at 786-343-2765
Monday, May 20, 2013
Ms. Cheezious makes it to semi finals
We asked you to vote for your favorite food truck Ms. Cheezious in the Live With Kelly and Michael Truckin' Amazing Cook-off Contest last week and you did! Ms. Cheezious made it into the semi finals.
Now they have to produce a short video to get fans to vote for them. Brian and his crew from Ms. Cheezious will be flown to New York to cook for Kelly and Michael, I'll let you know when that is so you can watch and vote. BC Tacos and The Mojo Grill & Catering trucks, also from Miami are in the semi finals.
Now they have to produce a short video to get fans to vote for them. Brian and his crew from Ms. Cheezious will be flown to New York to cook for Kelly and Michael, I'll let you know when that is so you can watch and vote. BC Tacos and The Mojo Grill & Catering trucks, also from Miami are in the semi finals.
TEDxCoconutGrove talk returning next year
The TEDxCoconutGrove Talk at Ransom Everglades were so successful in September that they are coming back again on February 7, 2014. The theme is "Connections" and this is where you come in. They are seaking speakers and partners who have "ideas worth spreading."
This self-organized event brings together the TED-like experience right here to Coconut Grove. The local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives.
Speakers, as well as partners who would like to support our event are needed. The web page is being redesigned, but still functional and has all the information you need to submit an application to spea, or to contact them about partnering opportunities.
Email Team@tedxcoconutgrove.org for more information about applying to speak, nominating a speaker, sponsorship information, or volunteering or visit www.TEDxCoconutGrove.org for more info.
The last event was very successful, let's help to make this one even better!
This self-organized event brings together the TED-like experience right here to Coconut Grove. The local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives.
Speakers, as well as partners who would like to support our event are needed. The web page is being redesigned, but still functional and has all the information you need to submit an application to spea, or to contact them about partnering opportunities.
Email Team@tedxcoconutgrove.org for more information about applying to speak, nominating a speaker, sponsorship information, or volunteering or visit www.TEDxCoconutGrove.org for more info.
The last event was very successful, let's help to make this one even better!
Coconut Grove Chamber news
The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, has almost completed their move across the street from their former office at the Glass House. They are next to Peacock Garden Cafe on McFarlane Road. There should be a person at the office daily helping tourists and handing out brochures, etc. I do think that the new space is better as there is more traffic on that side of the street and they can engage with people easier.
The Chamber made out big from the Great Taste of the Grove last month, while it's true that they were rained out from a deluge of rain the first day, Saturday, someone was smart enough to get rain insurance since it seems that they are always rained out. That being done to the cost of $3000 a day, they were able to collect $75,000 just from that one day of rain. They actually give out the insurance by the rain fall. Peacock Park was saturated and the Chamber bought insurance for a minimum of 3/4" inches of rain.
The next Chamber luncheon is being held on Friday, June 21 at the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel (2889 McFarlane Road) from noon to 2 pm.
The featured speaker will be David Martin, COO of Terra Group, the company behind two high-profile condominium developments coming to Coconut Grove – The Grove at Grand Bay and a second project on the Coconut Grove Bank property.
Also, State Rep. Jose Javier Rodriquez and Senator Gwen Margolis will be giving a proclamation to Monty Trainer to celebrate 50 years of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.
Please RSVP for the luncheon to GroveChamber@coconutgrove.com or call 305-444-7270.
The Chamber made out big from the Great Taste of the Grove last month, while it's true that they were rained out from a deluge of rain the first day, Saturday, someone was smart enough to get rain insurance since it seems that they are always rained out. That being done to the cost of $3000 a day, they were able to collect $75,000 just from that one day of rain. They actually give out the insurance by the rain fall. Peacock Park was saturated and the Chamber bought insurance for a minimum of 3/4" inches of rain.
The next Chamber luncheon is being held on Friday, June 21 at the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel (2889 McFarlane Road) from noon to 2 pm.
The featured speaker will be David Martin, COO of Terra Group, the company behind two high-profile condominium developments coming to Coconut Grove – The Grove at Grand Bay and a second project on the Coconut Grove Bank property.
Also, State Rep. Jose Javier Rodriquez and Senator Gwen Margolis will be giving a proclamation to Monty Trainer to celebrate 50 years of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.
Please RSVP for the luncheon to GroveChamber@coconutgrove.com or call 305-444-7270.
St. Hugh students to be recognized by City
Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez and the City of Miami officials will be honoring the St Hugh Catholic School eighth graders with a special certificate for their art exhibit entitled “Art in the Dark, on Thursday, May 23 at the City Commission meeting at 9 am. The art will be on display after that at City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Kampong Twilight Tour
Also there will be steel drum music by Othello, walking tours, and of course the natural beauty of The Kampong at dusk.
This event is free to members, and there are a few tickets available to the public for $20 each. RSVP at 305-442-7169.
The Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden | 4013 South Douglas Road
Big Ang's Miami Monkey opens today
"How You Doin?" She says it like she means it
Wendy was very sweet and funny, she signed autographs after taking questions from their audience.
The embarrassing thing was that my friend reserved us seats by contacting Books & Books and we were the only ones who did that. So we literally had the front row center seats. I didn't want to sit there at first, I felt foolish, but I was sort of forced into it and I'm glad I was. I was feet away from Miss Wendy the whole time!
We met people who drove down from Tampa and Port St. Lucie just for this event! Talk about dedicated fans!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Memory Training Workshop at Dynamo
A Memory Training Workshop is being held at Dynamo Art Cocowalk on Sunday, May 26, at 5 pm
Amanda Pike, PhD, ATR, a registered, clinical art therapist employed by the Miami-Dade school district, is teaming up with Dynamo Art Cocowalk for a workshop that uses the creative process to enhance the physical, mental and emotion well-being of individuals of all ages.
Each session is 90 minutes, with all art supplies included, and you can get a special price: $69.00 for a session (regular price $150.00). Email arttherapycs@gmail.com or call, 305-707-5106, by May 20 to register for the memory training session. Tell them you read it in the Grapevine.
For more information: http://arttherapyconsulting.com
Amanda Pike, PhD, ATR, a registered, clinical art therapist employed by the Miami-Dade school district, is teaming up with Dynamo Art Cocowalk for a workshop that uses the creative process to enhance the physical, mental and emotion well-being of individuals of all ages.
Each session is 90 minutes, with all art supplies included, and you can get a special price: $69.00 for a session (regular price $150.00). Email arttherapycs@gmail.com or call, 305-707-5106, by May 20 to register for the memory training session. Tell them you read it in the Grapevine.
For more information: http://arttherapyconsulting.com
We're surrounded by crooks
People all over town are talking about the little Red Headed creep and her gang. No matter where you go, this is the topic of conversation and the interesting part is that so many people have seen her/them. But no one does anything. She's like a ghost. Her name is Bamby by the way, and the police are quite familiar with her.
Apparently she and her gang were living at the Metrorail Station, this alone should have thrown up a red flag, the police knew about it but nothing was done. When finally the police surrounded the Metrorail Station, the gang fled and took up "residence" in the center Coconut Grove neighborhoods. It pushed them inside the Grove.
They are drug heads according to those who know, they steal things and resell them to fences, which are part of the problem.
There is this other guy who lives behind one of the hair salons, they let him live there. The guy goes out on his bicycle in the day, burgles stores, lots of times it's CVS and he goes around on his bicycle and sells the stuff to people, mostly to the employees at stores in the Grove. They think nothing of paying $5 for a $200 item, they don't ask questions and the guy goes on his merry way.
Crooks -- all of them, the ones stealing and the ones buying the stolen stuff.
The other day a friend drove by in her car, she beeped, I walked over to say hi, when I left the cop behind her gave her a ticket for that. Today I was stopped by friend as I came out of the gym, he also paused in the street and we talked a bit. Luckily a cop wasn't behind him or he would have been ticketed.
Is this what the police resources are being used for? We're a little village for god's sake, we are going to stop and say hello to each other in the street.
We need a photo of the Little Red Headed Creep and fast so that people can know exactly what she looks like before she gets wize and dyes here hair to another color, like blue or something. She was seen at Flanagans, at a gallery, at a shoe store, at so many places. If there was actually a photo circulating, people would know it the second they saw her and not as an after thought.
Apparently she and her gang were living at the Metrorail Station, this alone should have thrown up a red flag, the police knew about it but nothing was done. When finally the police surrounded the Metrorail Station, the gang fled and took up "residence" in the center Coconut Grove neighborhoods. It pushed them inside the Grove.
They are drug heads according to those who know, they steal things and resell them to fences, which are part of the problem.
There is this other guy who lives behind one of the hair salons, they let him live there. The guy goes out on his bicycle in the day, burgles stores, lots of times it's CVS and he goes around on his bicycle and sells the stuff to people, mostly to the employees at stores in the Grove. They think nothing of paying $5 for a $200 item, they don't ask questions and the guy goes on his merry way.
Crooks -- all of them, the ones stealing and the ones buying the stolen stuff.
The other day a friend drove by in her car, she beeped, I walked over to say hi, when I left the cop behind her gave her a ticket for that. Today I was stopped by friend as I came out of the gym, he also paused in the street and we talked a bit. Luckily a cop wasn't behind him or he would have been ticketed.
Is this what the police resources are being used for? We're a little village for god's sake, we are going to stop and say hello to each other in the street.
We need a photo of the Little Red Headed Creep and fast so that people can know exactly what she looks like before she gets wize and dyes here hair to another color, like blue or something. She was seen at Flanagans, at a gallery, at a shoe store, at so many places. If there was actually a photo circulating, people would know it the second they saw her and not as an after thought.
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