Magic City items, clothing, cars up for auction

Cast photo

Seems like all our Hollywood tv dramas are gone and their remnants are being auctioned off. First it was Burn Notice in August, right here in the Grove and now it's the remains of Magic City, the Starz network Friday night show, which are up for auction.

The show took place in Miami in 1959, so many old or antique items will be available, which were used to set the mid-century era. As bidders enter, some of the sets will greet them like the pool and lobby entrance of the Mirimar Playa Hotel, which was the fictitious hotel in the program..

The auction will begin online, starting Wednesday, October 2 and then run Thursday and Friday and on Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6, the auction will go live. Whatever is left over after that will go online for a final online auction on Monday and Tuesday, October 7 and 8.

The items online will be auctioned off here at the Jay Sugarman site: http://www.jaysugarman.com, the same auctioneers who held the Burn Notice auction.

The best items seem to be the classic 1950s cars used in the show.

The live auction is being held right at the warehouse where the show was filmed, 3663 NW 21 Street. Doors open at 11 am both days, Saturday and Sunday.

Ronnie is back

Ronnie Brooks is back performing in Coconut Grove. This is Ronnie's first show in the Grove since his accident. He is back performing with The Campo Deluxe Jazz Trio at CocoWalk, Thursday, October 3 from 6 to 10 pm.

Campo Deluxe features Ronnie along with Joe Dragon and Merril Oshinsky.

The music is free, come out and support Ronnie and the band.

S. Florida Free Divers fishing tournament

The South Florida Free Divers are holding a fishing tournament at Shake-A-Leg Miami on Saturday, November 16. The fishing is between 7:30 am and 4 pm and after 4 pm, the weigh-in starts and the after party begins after that.

At the after party there will be a pig roast, open bar, live music and other events. It is a $20 donation for anyone who wants to partake in the food and drinks, but anyone can come to observe the weigh in for free. Some of the best freedivers and spearfishermen in the world,  including two former national champions, will be there. There are sure to be some massive fish.

South Florida Freedivers, the Freediving Spearfish Club, brings together people who are interested in freediving, underwater photography, video production, and spearfishing.

Meetings are every second Thursday at 7:30 pm at Whiskey Joe's Marina Bar at Rickenbacker Marina. The purpose of these meetings is to put together a group of likeminded individuals who respect and honor the best of the sport; local fishing regulations and practices, selectivity and conservation, and above all diver safety. 

They try and accomplish this mission by inviting guest speakers to share their story and often videos. Meetings are open to the public and there are no membership dues.

The group has raised thousands of dollars for local charities through the tournaments.

More information, including sign up, can be found on the website at 
www.southfloridafreedivers.com.

Getting the waterfront facts straight

I love how Mark Dawson, Managing Principal of Sasaki Associates, who drew up the Waterfront Master Plan, sent a glowing letter to Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, saying how much he loved the plan for the Scotty's/Chart House location. I saw this letter a couple of months ago, it was sent to me by the Commissioner's office, in hopes that I would publish it.

This did seem strange to me, as it does not fit the Sasaki plan at all. The original plan calls for 7000 square feet of restaurant/retail space or less. The current plan has 100,000 square feet, plus a huge garage. How can Mr. Dawson approve of this?

Now it comes to light that Mr. Dawson of Sasaki, says he hasn't really looked at the plan in any detail. "My initial response was in relationship to the physical nature of the plan and not the detail," he states. 

It actually does not fit the physical nature of the plan. At all.

Thanks to Charles Corda, Grove activist, who has been on top of this mess since the beginning, this letter from Mr. Dawson was sent this week, to rectify his championing of the project without even seeing it:

"Mr. Corda,   

I am just returning from a well need respite to Montana. I appreciate you sharing the detail nature of what is embedded in the current proposal. The detail of which was not available at the time of my initial response. My initial response was in relationship to the physical nature of the plan and not the detail. I found the general plan appeared to be consistent and improved upon from the 2008 Master Plan and did say the devil is in the detail.....I hope to receive the detail proposal soon from the city so I can respond thoroughly and formally. I will also review carefully the details you have attached with Tom Moriarity who provided the economic and market assessment for the mater plan.  Thank you again for your thoughtful communication and I apologize for my tardy response."

Regards,     
Mark O. Dawson, FASLA
Managing Principal 
Sasaki Associates

Something else that is a bit disturbing, or maybe it isn't, but the law firm of Katz, Barron, Squitero & Faust, here in the Grove, had a presentation and discussion of the waterfront project with its employees planned, which is all well and good, but Commissioner Sarnoff was to be present and no dissenting citizens will were. 

I sent the law firm an email asking the following regarding this dog and pony show:

"Why is a law firm getting involved in this project and why is Comm. Marc Sarnoff being invited yet no one who is against the project invited? As you may or may not know, the majority of Coconut Grove businesses and residents are against the project. 

"Is this legal to have the Commissioner there? I'm just asking, this does not sound right. He voted on the project and I'm not quite sure why he needs to push his agenda on your employees."

Their response came back: "The meeting you reference has been cancelled." 

Now that makes sense. You don't s--t where you eat.

King Mango kick-off party at Greenstreet Cafe

It's getting to be that time -- King Mango Strut time and the Mangohead's are throwing their Kick-off Party on Tuesday, October 15 at Greenstreet Cafe (3468 Main Highway).

The party runs from 7 to 10 pm. There will be live music by Mr. Ree. 

Come by, bring your ideas for this year's parade, the 32nd annual!

For more info, visit: www.kingmangostrut.org or call the Mango Hotline: 305-582-0955.

Over 250 craft beers and more at Grovetoberfest

Last year's event in Peacock Park

Grovetoberfest is back for it's third year on Saturday, October 19 and the next day, Sunday, October 20, is the Coconut Grove Seafood Festival. Busy weekend in Peacock Park, the venue for both events.

Grovetoberfest is said to be the "most scenic beer festival in the world." Between 2:30 – 7:00 pm, beer lovers will take an active role in sampling and voting for favorite beers. Interactive elements of the festival include an entertainment stage featuring live music, Brew FIU’s Beer Tasting 101, the Milam’s Kitchen Lab hosted by some of South Florida’s popular chefs, a Resorts World Bimini VIP Lounge, Miami’s Best Homebrew Contest and the ever-popular Safe Ride Home option for those who sample more than they can handle. 

The list is quite impressive with 250 beers to choose from. American craft beer legends like New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, Abita, Bells, Sweetwater, Founder's, Brooklyn and Goose Island, to name a few, will be present. Imports such as Duvel, Chimay, New Castle and Magners will also be there. From a local standpoint, Cigar City, Wynwood Brewing, Miami Brewing, Funky Budha and others will be representing.

Aficionados and the “casual beer fan” will take an active role in beer sampling by voting for their favorite beer in three categories – Domestic, Import and Wild Card. The friendly competition will make it fun for all including the breweries that are eager to become “The Top Beer of Choice” among consumers.

Milam's Kitchen Lab is something new where the Miami Heat’s Chef Michael Jacobs, Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli from Eating House and Chopped fame and Chef Michael Pirolo from Macchialina Taverna Rustica will all conduct food/beer pairings throughout the day.

Home brewers will battle it out with their beer entries in the Home Brew Contest. South Florida breweries will judge these beers, and the winner will be announced at Grovetoberfest. He/she will not only have bragging rights, but their brew will be featured at a local restaurant/bar until supplies last.

Beer Tasting 101 is presented by Brew FIU. It’s a short workshop conducted in an easy and informative manner. Matthew Weintraub, professor and president of FIU Brew Club will be officiating. He’ll cover beer history, beer making, and lastly, beer tasting. This clinic is 20-minutes long and will take place several times throughout the day.

Bougies Bar has booked Liza Quin + The Bureau to perform during the festival at the Bougainvilla Live Music Stage. Liza has been in the music industry for a long time; writing songs, recording back-up vocals, producing and singing alongside several successful artists such as Alejandro Sanz, Jon Secada, Ziggy Marley, Carlos Ponce, Gloria Estefan, Francisco Cespedes, and as a featured vocalist with Ricky Martin on his One Night Only tour and UnPlugged for MTV.

A collection of the best beer-drinking food that money can buy will be at Food Row.

For a separate ticket price, guests enjoy open bar, complimentary food and private bathrooms at the Resorts World Bimini VIP Lounge. It also offers early entry and a commemorative Grovetoberfest glass. VIP entrance opens at 2:30 pm.

After all that beer, you'll need a safe ride home. Grovetoberfest will offer complimentary shuttle rides from the Metro Rail/Coconut Grove station to the event and back. Last shuttle leaves at 7:30 pm.

Tickets – $40 General Admission ticket, if purchased now via www.grovetoberfest.com / $45 at the gate / $70 Beer Socialite Package – Includes early entrance, commemorative glass and souvenir tote / $90 VIP – This ticket offers early admittance, access to the VIP Lounge, complimentary food, a commemorative beer glass and special selection of high-end beer @ VIP Lounge.

Beige Playhouse

Saw this on Facebook today, thought it was cool. I don't remember the Playhouse being this color, and some people tell me it was also pink, which I can't imagine. But I like this. It fits into the surroundings and looks stately, like something great is going on inside.

People online are sharing their memories and what plays they saw there. I know it was a movie theater at one time, but that was long ago, maybe the 1930s. One guy says he saw The Rocky Horror Picture Show there, but that was on the other end of town, where the post office is now. The end of the building, closest to McDonald Street was the Grove Cinema and they showed Rocky Horror there for years. I remember throwing toast in the air there.

New home for The Body Contour Company

Owner Karoline Smit announced that last week that The Body Contour Company finalized its move from Main Hwy to it's brand new location at 3162 Commodore Plaza.

The Body Contour Company offers its unique Well-Aging concept. It consists of a combination of Lymphatic drainage, the new Blue and Red Light treatment, Holistic Pulsing, Body Wrapping and Power Plate Training. The Well Aging concept results in an overall feeling of well-being due to a healthy balance of body, mind and spirit. Besides, European facials are offered using amazing La Biosthetique skin products. 

TBCC works on appointments: ph: 786-332-4983.

Free Yoga in Peacock Park

Tom the Rabbit and Jacomo the Mole star in
the daily Tomversation comic strip

Starting in October, the BID and Dharma Studio will be hold free Yoga classes in Peacock Park. That's right, starting October 1 and every Tuesday from 6 to 7 pm, these open-level weekly yoga classes will offer stress-free Yoga in the park.

All ages and all levels are welcome. The classes will run through April and then take a break for the hotter months. 

A certified yoga instructor from Dharma Studio will lead each class. All participants must sign a waiver and should bring their own yoga mat, water and towel. Classes will be Vinyasa-based featuring a flowing energetic style, including breath-work, meditation and relaxation.

Many of you know Dharma Studio on Commodore Plaza, Natalie and Lori are a fixture in the Grove. The passion, experience and love which fueled Dharma’s beginnings can be felt the moment you step inside. The idea was to create a warm yoga home and fill it with the best instructors, interesting eclectic events, and to open its doors to the community at large to experience the far reaching powers of yoga. Schedule and accessibility is varied for all levels of practice, from athletic yoga to yoga for the physically impaired and everything in between. 

For more info, please visit: www.dharmastudio.com or call 305-461-1777.

Bed Race Early Bird sign-up ending soon

Monday, September 30 is the final day for Early Bird sign-up. Click the banner to go to the Bed Race website for more info and to sign up.

Commission agrees to hire more police

The City's budget meeting was a success last night for Coconut Grove neighbors who had demanded more police officers on the streets in light of the uptick in crime these past few months. The meeting went well into the night before the final vote.

It was a unanimous vote and the budget will be amended. 95 new police officers will be hired and be on the streets by spring, about 25 will hit the streets by the end of this year.

Police officers who were present preferred to have their benefits returned (salary and pension) before new officers were hired.

Elegance and more at Ritz-Carlton Bridal Show

The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Key Biscayne and Coconut Grove, along with Modern Luxury Brides South Florida and The Caribbean are holding an evening of Elegance, Dreams and Style right here in Coconut Grove.

For one exclusive evening, guests can enjoy bridal bliss with savory and sweet tastes provided by the hotel’s executive culinary team, sip on bubbly, view the latest bridal fashion trends and relax with spa teasers provided by The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Coconut Grove. Mingle with a team of seasoned wedding specialists, including social catering directors Elda Brouwer and Monica Ciffoni, offering over 30 years of combined experience in South Florida and known for their extensive expertise in culturally authentic weddings. From modern to classic, brides can determine their unique wedding style through a showcase of floral, décor and entertainment with gift registry and make up consultations provided by Neiman Marcus Coral Gables.

This one night event is Thursday, October 3, from 6 to 9 pm. The cost is $25 per person. Each guest will receive a complimentary gift bag, Champagne, valet parking and tastes included. 

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, offers highly personalized service in an intimate setting, the 115-room boutique hotel is within minutes of most of Miami. Set on four acres of lushly landscaped gardens, the hotel features the restaurant Bizcaya with internationally inspired cuisine presented by Chef Ramesh Kaduru, the stylish Lazuli Lounge overlooking a cascading waterfall, 6,000-square-foot Boutique Spa and 24-hour Fitness Center, elevated pool deck featuring private cabanas, grand ballroom with its own private entrance, meeting rooms and much more. 

Of course the hotel has Coconut Grove's Sailboat Bay right outside their windows.

For additional information regarding the Bridal Show, please contact Yomaira Nazario at 786-470-1136 or via email at Yomaira.Nazario@ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove is located at 3300 SW 27th Avenue.

Gran Fondo returns in November

Model Claudia Romani holds the
signature Jersey with Consul
General of Italy,
AdolfoBarattolo

Italy's Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia is coming back to the United States this fall. The first bicycle ride is in Beverly Hills, CA on November 3 and then the event comes to Miami on Sunday, November 10.

"The Giro d’Italia is an increasingly international event," said Marco Gobbi Pansana, Head of Marketing of RCS Sport Cycling. “We also want to be global ambassadors for 'Made in Italy'. We promote Italy, the most beautiful country in the world – its land, its history, its excellence. Together with Italy and Made in Italy, we export to the world our way 'to do cycling', a mix of passion and professionalism, high technicality and atmosphere. For this reason, we also launched the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia series with the same successful recipe." 

Consul General of Italy Adolfo Barattolo addressed a Miami audience during the presentation KickOff Party where the Official Jersey was presented.

The upcoming November 10th edition also has special significance, since this year marks the 2013 Year of Italian Culture in the United States, endorsing this initiative as promoting the best image of Italy. 

Three courses are offered -- 25, 54 or 101 miles, the cycling will start in Coral Gables on Miracle Mile, progressing onto Ponce de Leon Avenue and beyond. Medium and long courses will move towards Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and eventually way down to Black Point. The long distance riders will head into the ultimate challenge offered by the 101 mile course: vast agricultural areas of South Florida. The ride ends in Coconut Grove, at City Hall.

The Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia is a worldwide series of cycling events that showcases the passion of Italian cycling and the strength of spirit embodied in the Giro d’Italia, arguably the world’s toughest professional bicycle race.  The series is organized by RCS Sport, owner of high-quality sporting events including the Giro d’Italia, Milano – Sanremo, Il Lombardia (ex Giro di Lombardia), Tirreno – Adriatico, Strade Bianche by Limar (White Roads), the Milano Marathon and the Italian Open.  The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia 2013 series features 6 destinations in the world (Monterey, New York, Pasadena, Jerusalem, Beverly Hills and Miami) and more amazing destinations planned in 2014.  The event is endorsed by the Italian Consulates of Los Angeles and Miami and part of a special celebration of the Italian Culture in the U.S. Please visit www.granfondogiroditalia.com for more information.

Multi-Chamber mixer at Aloft Hotel Brickell

The next Multi-Chamber of Commerce event is Thursday, October 3, at Aloft Hotel Brickell (1001 SW 2nd Avenue).

Come out and mix and mingle with the Chambers of Commerce from Coconut Grove, Camacol, Colombia, Chile, Greater Doral, Downtown Miami & Brickell, Ecuador, Haiti, Honduras, Junior Chamber International, Medley, Mercosur, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Poland,Sweetwater, along with Brickell Rotary Club, 

Meet local professionals, promote your business, share your ideas, expand your network and have fun. Members $10 in advance and $15 at the door (cash only) Non-members $15 in advance and $20 at the door (cash only) To purchase your tickets go to www.multichamberevents.com.

Includes: A complimentary drink and appetizers for an hour. Bring your business card to participate in raffle.

The event is from 6 to 9 pm. Valet Parking is available for $6.00.

rsvp@fabulousmiami.com by Monday, September 30th 2013.

Brickell's Bricktoberfest is all about the craft beer

Bricktoberfest is launching on Brickell on Saturday, September 28.

Over 75 craft and specialty beers featuring local, regional and European craft breweries, food, live entertainment and much will take over Brickell. The Festival starts at 1 pm for guests who purchase the Ultra VIP Unlimited Sampling & Festival ticket. The ticket caters to the beer connoisseurs who wants to get the first taste, granting guests expedited entry, VIP tented sampling areas, premium samplings of 10+ super premium beer selections, unlimited sampling of over 75 beers, food pairings and lite bites from local restaurants, access all day and night, a private restroom area and includes the 6 p.m. music festival. 

Live entertainment starts at 1 pm Tickets range from $25 to $95 and include an After Party at Fado Irish Pub. 

The event runs from 1 to 11 pm.

Mary Brickell Village
900 South Miami Avenue, Downtown Miami
http://Bricktoberfest.com

The beginning of the end for Expo Center

People have been telling me that they started dismantling the Expo Center, I drove around the building and didn't see much destruction, just a few of the Burn Notice sets were taken down from the outside of the building, you know, where they made things look like stores and hospitals and such.

But now the big job is going to begin once a bidder is decided upon. It's the end of tv and movies in Coconut Grove. A perfectly good studio is going to vanish. 

The Capital Improvements Department selected BG Group LLC for the $596,194 job and it's just up to the City Commission to approve it.

I remember when Sarnoff had suggested that the last episode be scripted so that they blow up the building and save a lot of time and cost, although I suspect the clean-up would have been more of an expense, but the production company gave Sarnoff a snub it seems, when they did have a huge blow up in the final episode, only they filmed it at the former Miami Herald building downtown. Coincidental? Who knows, but it was the final episode and there was a major explosion. Only the Herald building did not come down, Genting, the new owners will have to handle that job.

Sarnoff keeps calling the park that will replace the Expo Center as our "High Line Park," comparing it to New York's High Line. I'm sure it will be grass and maybe trees, but it ain't gonna be no High Line. 

Music Conservatory presenting Broadway's Best

Leah Dexter and Justin John Moniz

The Miami Conservatory of Music is kicking off the 2013/14 season with a celebration of some of best hits from the Great White Way, designed to delight music lovers and musical theater aficionados of all generations. The performance will take place at the Conservatory Recital Hall on Saturday, October 5 at 8:00 pm, the evening concluding with an elegant complimentary wine and cheese reception and meet and greet with the artists.

"Being Alive: A Tribute to Broadway’s Best." features music from such masters as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Richard Rogers, Jerome Kern, Frank Loesser, Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Elton John, and more. National award-winning pianist, music director and composer Rachel Dean takes guests on a trip down Broadway, featuring popular music including Annie Get Your Gun, Carousel, Anything Goes!, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, Company, Sunset Boulevard, Evita, Spamalot, and Aida, among many others.

The concert features mezzo soprano, Leah Dexter, and tenor, Justin John Moniz. Hailed by The Italian Tribune for her "beautiful voice, great acting gifts, and outstanding musicianship," mezzo soprano and Detroit native, Leah Dexter, will be making her Miami debut in this very special one-night engagement. Ms. Dexter has previously performed on some of the nations greatest stages.

Recently praised by the Miami Herald as a "vocal standout" for his "exquisitely sung" work, tenor Justin John Moniz is thrilled to return to the MCM stage after last season's sell-out success, The Great American Songbook. He has previously appeared in over 75 productions around the country.

"It is a thrill to perform the music which inspired me as a child. Musical theatre is a staple of American culture and the reason so many young people take an interest in the performing arts in the first place,’” says Justin. He adds, “This particular program has been carefully selected to highlight some of Broadway’s finest composers, providing something for audiences of all generations. It’s truly night for everyone, an evening that will, at the very least, leave you humming these catchy tunes for days.”

In addition to his active performing career, Justin currently serves on the faculty of the Miami Conservatory of Music and the University of Florida’s New World School of the Arts, where he has taught courses in musical theatre, audition techniques, and voice.

The Miami Conservatory of Music is located at the Mayfair Promenade, next to The Improv.

Tickets: $20, General Admission | $15 Seniors | $10, Students (with ID) | $10 MCM Parents

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit miamiconservatoryofmusic.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door 30 minutes prior to the performance, subject to availability

Dealtificate has two VIP tickets for $35 which incluces: 

• Early 7:00pm Admission for Two
• Priority Seating 
• Champagne Reception, Assorted Chocolate Covered Fruits Catered by EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS
• Post-Concert Wine & Cheese Reception and Meet and Greet with Artists

Chicken, Champagne & Cocktails

Chicken, champagne & cocktails are being served Friday, for charity. The inagural Cluck Miami, an event featuring the combination of fried chicken paired with champagne, will be held to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of South Florida. Local chefs will present their individual take on classic fried chicken, culminating in a competition where you will vote on this year's winning Chef of Cluck Miami. 

Chefs vying for the title include: Miami's first winner of Food Network's "Chopped," Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, Chef Bradley Kilgore, Chef Adrianne Calvo; Chef Jacob Anaya, Chef Jean Paul Desmaison, and Chef Richard Hales.

Designed to give every guest a VIP Experience, You will enjoy unlimited tastings from the participating restaurants and a one-hour Welcoming Champagne Reception presented by Veuve Clicquot from 7 to 8 pm In addition, you'll sip on complimentary cocktails all night presented by Bombay Sapphire and Chambord Flavored Vodka, and a special craft brewed beer by Gravity Brewlab made exclusively for Cluck Miami. Wines inspired by Florida will flow all night - complimentary samples of La Florida and Pascua Florida, artwork by Wynwood Walls muralist Liqen and desserts by City Hall the Restaurant and champagne-themed cupcakes by pastry chef Giselle Pinto of Sugar Yummy Mama.

The event is Friday, September 27 from 7 to 11 pm.

$85 prepaid online through September 26 at midnight. $100 at the door. 

Studio 255
255 N.W. 25th Street, Wynwood Art District
www.CluckMiami.com

Fruit tree giveaway

Thee City of Miami is having a Fruit Tree Giveaway on Saturday, September 28 from 8:00 am to noon. 

The type of trees being given away are mango, avocado, lychee and key lime, the trees are small trees about 2-3 feet high in 3-gallon pots. 

Attendees are eligible for two trees per household. Attendees need to have an ID or utility bill for us to verify that they are City of Miami residents.

It's a first come first served basis so the earlier people come the better.

On the day of the event, after address verification, you will go through a couple education checkpoints that teach about proper tree planting and maintenance techniques, then they collect their two trees (any combination they desire).

There is also a pre-registration option, wherein people can complete a pre-registration form. This does not represent reserving trees, but allows the pre-registered to enter a separate line on the day of the event, which will allow you to proceed much quicker (and thus increase your chance of getting the trees you want before they run out) than those in the line for on-site registration who have to complete forms and have their addresses checked.


Location is Elizabeth Virrick Park (3255 Plaza Street) is the location.

If you should need more information or to get a pre-registration form, please contact astewart@miamigov.com 305-960-5192.

More toxins found and Grove Harbour lawsuit

Two interesting stories in the Miami Herald today. Merrie Christmas Park in the South Grove now has been shown to be contaminated with copper, barium, arsenic and cadmium. What did the city do, make every dump and incinerator a park?

The park is now closed. 

I keep picturing visions of Miami in the 1920s, '30s and '40s, thinking of a fresh, clean, palm tree filled beachy area, but it seems like it was a toxic dump of a city instead! Here's the story.

The other story is about a lawsuit against the City for the secret way they held the proposal meeting in June regarding the Grove Harbour waterfront project. They literally threw people out of the meeting. I had a friend there who was thrown out and he witnessed Ron Nelson, Commissioner Sarnoff's Chief of Staff being thrown out until Ron explained who he was, then they let him stay. 

It seemed strange to me at the time because I wanted to attend the presentation where the two proposals would be shown, I was told I could not attend, and I guess it was very strange to Stephen Kneapler, who is now suing in Miami-Dade Circuit Court.

This is quite interesting in that Miami Beach recently throw out their new convention center referendum, where voters would decide on its fate, because residents were not given enough information to vote on.

That is the case here. The Grove Harbour project needs to be more forthcoming to residents and voters. Why is this project so large? How does it conform to the original plan, which only called for 7000 square feet or less? How does the retail in the garage area fit in? What charity is beneficiary to the project and why is the lease so long -- 80 years? Plus so many more questions that the public never gets a real answer to.

Here's the full Herald story on this issue.

Getting more police officers on the streets

Neighbors are still facing unusually high crime in Coconut Grove and other parts of the city, including Brickell and Coral Way. Grove residents are hoping for new officers to patrol the neighborhoods and their hopes may come true.

In total, it's hoped that the City will hire 100 new officers at a cost of $10 million. But it appears as if 10 new officers will be hired according to Miami Chief Financial Officer and acting City Manager Daniel Alfonso at a cost of $2.4 million. It will take about four months for these officers to hit the streets after training.

One North Grove neighbor expressed concern to me that it has not been violent yet, but it will only be a matter of time before someone takes the matter into their own hands, you know, "standing their ground," saying that they were protecting themselves and their possessions. 

The City Commission meets Thursday, September 26, at 5:05 pm at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) for the City's Final Budget Hearing.

The following letter was sent by Sergeant Javier Ortiz, President of the Miami Fraternal Order of Police.

He talks about the two police officers promised to Coconut Grove, but says in reality, that is 12 officers. Commander Morales now says the Grove will receive three officers. Does that entail 18 in reality?: 

"Proper staffing for two extra police officers requires twelve officers assigned to cover each shift and days off," says Sgt. Ortiz in the letter.

Here is his letter:

Dear Stakeholders in the Coral Way/Brickell/Coconut Grove areas: 

As the union representative of the Miami Police Department, they have asked for me to advise all of you the truth of why there are crime problems in your area as well as the rest of our city. 

For the past four years, our police officers have gotten significant cuts to their benefits. The Miami Police Department is not close to being competitive with neighboring departments. We have over three hundred police officers in the DROP (differed retirement option program) that may retire at anytime. We have over 40 vacant positions for police officers and are budgeting another 25 for next fiscal year. In the past four weeks, we have had one new police officer and three sworn members in the DROP resign unexpectedly. Depending on what decisions our elected officials make this Thursday on the police budget in restoring some benefits, more police officers are expected to resign in the near future. Today, under incredible pressure by the Mayor, Chief Orosa had a press conference with new Miami police recruits as a back drop attempting to portray that hiring isn't an issue for the City of Miami. After the press conference, a number of them told me that they have applied to Miami Beach and other police departments in order to make better pay and benefits. Can you blame them? 

The Roads area has three police officers on overtime due to the mounting crime problems and police shortages (exclusively directed to place little flyers called Watch Over Miami Cards) on the following schedule: 

8AM-1PM (weekdays) A minimum of 25 Watch Over Miami Cards 

8AM-5PM (weekends) A minimum of 50 Watch Over Miami Cards 

The purpose of these cards is so the Miami Police command staff can give a false sense of security that the police are actively patrolling your area. There is so much pressure from our elected officials, that even unarmed public service aides are placing these cards on resident's houses to further bolster the perception of police. This overtime detail is only addressing the Roads section. Will a piece of paper stop crime in your area? If anything, it advises criminals that you aren't home. 

This same practice is going on within Coconut Grove. Tired cops are putting out these flyers. A total of two police officers have been promised to the Coconut Grove area. What isn't being addressed is that to really add two extra police officers to an area, you need to have a proper staffing plan of 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. Proper staffing for two extra police officers requires twelve officers assigned to cover each shift and days off. Crime doesn't take "time off" and neither should your police department. Chief Orosa is trying to address a mounting crime problem with what he has which are overworked police officers and no new cops to staff it anytime soon. They will tell you that a police academy class of 25 was just started. What they don't tell you is that they aren't available for the street until about a year from now due to training. The seven cops that were recently sworn in won't be able to patrol the streets on there own without supervision for at least another six months. 

Hundreds of flyers are being given out by overworked police officers isn't going to solve your crime problem. Retaining your current police force by restoring their benefits and being competitive to hire the best is the solution. This Thursday, police officers as well as concerned neighbors from all over the City of Miami will unite at City Hall to demand better police service. We invite all of you to join this very important movement to protect our community. 

Overtime details are like band-aids. We need to stop the bleeding with a proper budget that can be achieved without raising taxes. It's all about what are the priorities of our city. Make your safety a priority. Come out this Thursday at 5 PM at City Hall and make a difference. 

Sincerely, 
Sergeant Javier Ortiz, 
President Miami Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #20

Nautical Paws sailing to Brazil

An evening filled with Brazilian Music, drinks and food is being held at Brasileiro Steakhouse Miami at the Four Ambassadors on Brickell.

Get ready for a great evening enriched with wonderful company, and great Brazilian atmosphere including a fantastic Brasileiro Raffle.

For those who love gourmet cuisine, the Brasileiro will offer a three course Miami Spice menu for only $39 per person.

$20 donation at the door includes two complimentary cocktails and passed appetizers. Donations benefit the Monica Burguera Foundation and the Humane Society of Greater Miami.

The party is this Thursday, September 26 from 6 to 8:30 pm.

The Four Ambassador, Tower 4, 801 Brickell Bay Drive.

You can RSVP and purchase tickets here.

Chamber presents Lunch with David Lawrence, Jr.

David Lawrence, Jr.

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is presenting, "Lunch with David Lawrence, Jr.," former Miami Herald Publisher.

Mr. Lawrence retired in 1999 as publisher of The Miami Herald to work in the area of early childhood development and readiness. He is president of The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation and "Education and Community Leadership Scholar" at the University of Miami's School of Education and Human Development. He leads The Children's Movement of Florida, aimed at making children the state's top priority for investment and decision-making. 

Mr. Lawrence is a member of the Governor's Children's Cabinet and twice chaired the Florida Partnership for School Readiness. In 2002 and 2008 he led successful campaigns for The Children's Trust, a dedicated source of early intervention and prevention funding for children in Miami-Dade. He is the "founding chair." He is a board member of the Foundation for Child Development in New York. In 2002-3 he chaired the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Protection, and in 2011 he chaired a similar panel for the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. 

In 2002, Mr. Lawrence was a key figure in passing a statewide constitutional amendment to provide pre-K for all 4 year olds.  He is a board member and former chair of the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe. The David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Public School opened in 2006. An endowed chair in early childhood studies is established in his name at the University of Florida College of Education.

The lunchon is Friday, September 27 at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove (3300 SW 27 Avenue) from noon to 2 pm

$30 for members  
$35 for future members

RSVP 
305-444-7270 or GroveChamber@coconutgrove.com 

PARKING OPTIONS:
Valet Parking at The Ritz-Carlton is $12.
There is off-street parking along 27th Avenue, Tigertail Avenue 
and Municipal Parking at the Oak Avenue Garage, on Mary Street at Tigertail and on South Bayshore Drive at Pan American Drive 

Waterfront project forum at Village Council

Art Noriega, head of the Miami Parking Authority, and Enrique Torre, who represented the City of Miami regarding the Grove Harbour waterfront project, met with the Coconut Grove Village Council in an open forum last week, where neighbors were able to ask questions regarding the controversial projects. I call the project "a mall," others call it the Grove "Horror" Project. District Commissioner Marc Sarnoff did not attend the meeting. 

I say projects because there are basically two -- the parking garage and the chrome and glass development where Scotty's Landing and The Chart House stand now. 

It appears that the parking garage keeps changing size and at last week's meeting, Mr. Noriega told the crowd that the garage planned for the site will accommodate 228 cars, not the over 1600, that was first thought. The garage is 40,000 square feet and the first floor consists of retail stores.  The site keeps changing sizes due to people's perceptions, I think we won't really know how large it is until it's built.

As for Mr. Torre, he didn't seem to want to be there. He did not answer direct questions and he beat around the bush which seems to be the case all the time whenever someone has questions. No one has given a clear explanation yet as to how this fits into the Waterfront Master Plan and how they feel these large chrome and glass structures fits into the waterfront setting. Mr. Torre basically ignored the questions. He had ready set answers all prepared, that honestly didn't jive with questions. His responses were, "The retail will be successful," although local realtors who were present didn't think so. And no one asked if the retail will be successful. The questions were how dare you sell out our waterfront against the will of the taxpayers. Also, a big plus for Mr. Torre seemed to be the increase of visitors and traffic. Is that a plus? 

When asked why they are not sticking to the Sisaki Plan, ie, the Coconut Grove Waterfront Master Plan, which calls for less than 7000 square feet of retail, not the 100,000 they now have planned, he insisted it was part of the original plan. He, like the others feel that if you say it over and over again with a straight face, it becomes truth. 

As for the Village Council, they are in support of the project. "The purpose of the agenda item was to give residents an opportunity to see the MPA's plans for the parking garage and to ask questions about the project. They've done a really nice job with it. We didn't vote, but previously did, in support of the project," says Michelle Niemeyer, Village Council member. Michelle was also part of the Working committee for many years who helped form the Sisaki Plan.

Jessica Lewis, chair of the Village Council explained, "I wanted a Q and A forum, as there were a lot of misinformation floating around. That's exactly what it was."

I beg to differ. I think there where were lots of Q's but no A's at this meeting. 

I say Vote NO on November 5. Until we can get answers and the truth about this project, it makes no sense to vote to approve it. There is no rush, even if you are in favor of it. But why are you approving this? Do you know what you are approving? Nobody else does, so perhaps the best thing is to vote NO on November 5 and when the developers and the city are forthcoming, perhaps in the future, then you can vote again, you know, when it all makes sense.

Throwing another monkey wrench into the project is some secret charity that was brought up at the meeting.  Grove Bay Investments, the developer of the project, has agreed to pay $30,000 per year to an unspecified charity. For 80 years (the term of the lease)! What charity and why doesn't the city get the much needed money?

It makes no sense to hand over the land to a private enterprise for 80 years. It makes no sense to overtake the Coconut Grove waterfront with a structure that does not fit into the water and boating ambiance and it makes no sense to ignore the Sisaki Plan after years of work that went into it. And what about the secret charity? Why would anyone vote "yes" on this? Vote NO on November 5.

Related stories:
Charles Corda explains his garage math
Smaller garage part of the schematic
About the waterfront parking garage

Supporting Coconut Grove Elementary

From Stacey E. Blau, VP of fundraising at Coconut Grove Elementary:

The Coconut Grove Elementary School PTA needs your support  An A-rated community school located right in the heart of Coconut Grove, CGE is proud to have 423 students and counting in 2013-2014. Yet, over 50 percent of them are underprivileged and currently receive free or reduced lunch.  The CGE PTA is devoted to helping nurture these young minds further in core and non-core subjects such as science, technology, music, and art. However, we need the support of our friends throughout the community to achieve these program goals.

This year, the CGE PTA plans to offer proven enrichment programs that can broaden students’ horizons beyond the classroom walls through after-school tutoring, leadership skills training, and educational field trips. Additional funding is also needed for implementing smart board technology that will support the Common Core Standards curriculum as well as ergonomic furniture for kids to use in the library and media center. Finally, CGE is also looking for sponsors and/or in-kind donations for our healthy garden program that helps educate students about food, health, and environmental issues.

In the wake of the recent tragedies that have afflicted our nation’s schools, CGE PTA is also committed to ensuring our students’ safety and well-being. To guard against outside dangers that have become all too real for schools, we seek to install a critical electronic security system to enhance campus safety. In addition, we plan to sponsor educational programs to combat cyber-bullying and bullying. The PTA is planning to make safety-driven repairs to the playground and hygienic improvements to our decaying bathrooms.

If you would like to support any of these programs, please send your contribution check to the following:

CGE PTA
Attn: Fundraising
3351 Matilda Street
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

All contributions to the Coconut Grove Elementary School PTA are tax-deductible. Should you have any questions, you may contact the PTA’s Vice President of Fundraising Stacey E. Blau directly at 786-309-2145 or fundraising.cgepta@gmail.com.

We made the New York Times . . .

And not in a good way.

New York Times writer Nick Madigan had been around Coconut Grove all last week, up and down Virginia Street and at Armbrister Park, getting info on Old Smokey's and Blanche Park's toxic ground. Here's his story in today's New York Times.

It appears the trolley garage is illegal

Yesterday, I spoke about the Toxic Cover ups regarding the Coconut Grove parks and the arsenic and other poisons contaminating the soil. The city has been playing dumb for some time, to be fair, maybe they just didn't want to alarm people, but I think it's too late for that. The whole issue is tied in with the trolley garage/maintenance facility being built in Village West. A UM student Zach Lipshultz uncovered the toxins when he got involved in the trolley issue. 

The neighbors do not want the garage in their neighborhood for a couple of reasons, the main reason is that it's a residential area, a trolley garage does not belong next to the houses. The second reason is that the garage belongs to Coral Gables, not Coconut Grove. The Gables just swept it across US1 so as not to deal with the ugly mess in their backyard (this is a classic case of governmental NIMBY). Ironically, the trolley does not even accommodate the Grove. And it certainly doesn't take neighbors into the Gables.

And through it all, toxins and trolley mess, skeletons are starting to come out of the closet. One big one is an email that has been circulating, I received it from a number of readers. The original email comes from Dakota Hendon of Miami's Building and Zoning Department, who helped write Miami21. Dakota says that the project should not be built and that it does not conform to the Miami 21 Plan. This email went out long before the project was started and apparently the powers that be ignored it for their own reasons.

So as usual, even our own Building and Zoning Department has no power if someone wants something done, even if it's against zoning rules.

Here is the email (in bold) sent by Dakota to Francisco Garcia, the City of Miami Planning Director:

"Francisco,

"We have a bit of a problem. The Coral Gables Trolley Station that I met with you and the applicant on a few weeks ago appears to not be an allowable use as we had originally anticipated. See the definition of Auto-related industrial below. I believe this is specifically an industrial use. At this point, they have already submitted for the Warrant and action needs to be taken to stop the application. Additionally, IDR was adamantly against the project in the specific location. 　Please call me to discuss at your convenience."

Let's hope this trolley project is finally killed. After all the years of smoke, soot and toxins from Old Smokey, now the neighbors have to deal with fumes from trolleys which don't even traverse our streets?

King Mango Strut has a bed for sale!

Grand Marshal Vanilla Ice joins the Strut Crew at the Bed Race

The King Mango Strut has a bed for sale from The Great Grove Bed Race, which they used a few years ago. If anyone is interested, it's available for $350.00, but I'm sure you can make them an offer.  

Also, the Strut has a Board of Directors position vacant. They are looking for an artistic, creative-type person, who has a sense of humor, energy, and the time to dedicate over the next couple of months. It wouldn't hurt if you are a little bit nuts, too, after all, they need someone who puts the NUT in Coconut Grove.

Anyone interested can contact Deborah Crisp, at ddcrisp@msn.com

New Farmer's Market planned for Nov. start

It's still in the works, but hopefully Coconut Grove will get a new weekly Farmer's Market at the Playhouse parking lot. The plan is for Thursdays from 2 to 8 pm each week, November is the start date, but we'll keep you posted.

The nice part about this is that Seasons Farm Fresh will be running the market and there will be lots of vendors with really fresh food. Over 40 vendors will participate, specializing in local produce and other items.

Seasons Farm Fresh is doing this in conjunction with the BID to make this happen and Paradise Parking, who runs the lot, is donating parking, so 80 to 100 cars would have room for free parking each week.

A fresh farmer's market, with free parking! Once the market starts, they anticipate it going yearly. 

Toxic cover ups

Excellent article in the Miami New Times about the toxic chemicals in Coconut Grove parks and other areas. It seems that they recently found arsenic in a small patch of soil outside City Hall including petroleum residue, assumed to be there from the Pan Am days in the 1930s.

While the city plays it down, it's been shown that rates of pancreatic cancer in and around Coconut Grove are higher than they should be, possibly due to drinking water from private wells.

Old Smokey site today

As for all this artificial grass, the Astroturf we have been seeing lately, it seems that it is being used to cover up the messes. They are using it to "cap" the toxins. Blache Park has had the turf for quite a while now and an athletic field in Armbrister Park is being given over $200,000 as a gift of Astroturf by the builder of the controversial trolley garage in Village West, Astor Development.

Old Smokey, the old incinerator next to Armbrister Park in Village West was discovered to have all types of toxins. It tested positive for arsenic, lead, cadmium and a lot more toxins. It's been thought that the local government has known about this for years, yet daily, school kids, sports teams and all sorts of events take place in the park. I was recently at an event in that park.

University of Miami student Zach Lipshultz uncovered this innocently enough when he got involved in the trolley mess in Village West, one thing led to another and as it turns out, the contaminated areas all were exposed. Zach is part of the Village West's pro bono legal group fighting the Coral Gables trolley garage/maintenance facility in Coconut Grove's Village West.

Viewing Vizcaya; movie night at the estate

Vizcaya will be showing the silent movie, "Why Change Your Wife," on their next movie night, Wednesday, September 25. The 1920 movie, directed by Cecil B. DeMille, starts Gloria Swanson, Thomas Meighan and Bebe Daniels.

Robert and Beth Gordon are married but share little. He runs into Sally at a cabaret and the Gordons are soon divorced. Just as he gets bored with Sally's superficiality, Beth strives to improve her looks. The original couple falls in love again at a summer resort.

Follow in the footsteps of Vizcaya's original owner, James Deering, and his guests by enjoying a historic silent film in the Courtyard of the Main House, complete with live musical accompaniment on Vizcaya's custom-made pipe organ.

The movie starts at 7 pm

Tickets $18; available onsite only from 6:00-7:30 pm on the evening of the program.

Food and drink available for purchase. Seating is limited. Event takes place indoors.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and European-inspired estate on Biscayne Bay, is located at 3251 South Miami Avenue. For more information, go to www.vizcaya.org or call 305-250-9133.

Walking and Bicycle tours of Coconut Grove

Starting in October, there will be a few walking and biking tours of Coconut Grove. Two of each.

On Sundays, October 13 and October 20, historian Dr. Paul George will conduct walking tours of the Grove and on Sundays, November 3 and November 24, Frank Schena will give historic Eco Bike tours.

Coconut Grove has so much history, being one of the first areas settled in South Florida and it's always so interesting to learn new things about the village, which are actually old things!

The tours are free. To reserve a space, please call the BID office at 305-461-5506. The tours are sponsored by the BID, arranged by HistoryMiami.

It's about Miami's "influencers"

Hispanicize HX, the regional Latino influencers events platform of the annual Hispanicize event, will make its special Hispanic Heritage Month Miami debut Sept. 24 at Will Call in downtown Miami.

The free event will gather South Florida's top influencers in journalism, blogging, marketing and entertainment with several "TED Talks"-type presentations, high caliber networking and a live musical performance by indie band Magazine Society.

Sponsored by Burson-Marsteller, the official social media agency partner of Hispanicize 2014 and Hispanicize Wire, the event will take place from 6:30 to 10 pm.  ill Call is located at 700 NE 2nd Avenue , 305-577-5900)  RSVP: info@hispanicizeevent.com

Organization partners include the Hispanic Public Relations Association and the Downtown Miami and Brickell Chamber of Commerce.

Passes to the event are extremely limited with no more than two attendees per organization allowed.

The inclusion of Magazine Society, the first indie band officially selected to perform at Hispanicize 2014 in April, marks an important milestone for Hispanicize as it delves deeper into the Latin music industry.

"HX Miami kicks off a series of events that we believe will bring greater media, social media and marketing recognition to talented Latino music artists that we believe are the ones to watch," said Manny Ruiz, founder of the Hispanicize platforms that include the Hispanicize event, Hispanicize Wire and Hispanicize digital.  "Through the HX events and entertainment marketing resources like our Hispanicize Wire platform we will change the game for Latin music artists."

Meet Cee-Lo Green at Books & Books

On Saturday, September 21, at 2 pm, Grammy award winning artist and The Voice judge Cee-Lo Green will be at Books and Books, 265 Aragon Avenue, for a celebrity signing of his new book.

“Everybody’s Brother,” now a global phenomenon, tells the story of his rise from the streets of Atlanta all the way to the top of the charts. If you miss this one, forget about you.

For more info or purchase an event voucher, call 305-442-4408 or visit their website.