Professional Documents
Culture Documents
repl
2 | MB magazine | april/may 2007
MB
APRIL
MAY 07
volume 2, issue 3
MIAMIBEACH magazine/revista
F E A T U R E S
Replace Picture X Taxing Job of Providing
Public Service
XX Safety First
Neigborhood Resource Officers
XX Your Space
Proposed Historic Districts • Free Events • Lincoln
Road Expansion • Hurricane Fairs
XX Health/Fitness
Active senior liefstyles
XX Cultural Corner
Jewish Museum of Florida
ON THE COVER/EN LA PORTADA
Enter a drawing for a Miami Beach gift bag by submitting the name of the building
or address featured on the cover, via E-mail, to mbmagazine@miamibeachfl.gov.
XX Since You Asked
The answer and winner will be featured in the next issue on page 46. Frequently asked questions
Somete el lugar y el nombre del arte presentado el la portada a mbmagazine@
miamibeachfl.gov para entrar en un sorteo para ganarse un regalo de la ciudad. XX Planned Progress
La correcta repuesta y el ganador se presentaran en la próxima edición. Normandy Pool Re-opns
To request this material in accessible format, sign language interpreters, information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceeding, please
contact 305.604.2489 (voice) or 305.673.7218 (TTY) five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service). • Para solicitar esta publicación en un formato accesible, pida intérpretes
de lenguaje de signos, solicite información sobre acceso para personas discapacitadas, si requiere cualquier ayuda para revisar cualquier documento y/o para participar en cualquier proceso patrocinado por la ciudad, comuníquese
con el Centro de Informacion de la Ciudad por teléfono, 305.604.2489 (voz), o 305.673.7218 (TTY) de ser posible con 5 días de anticipación. También al 711 para comunicarse con el Servicio de Relay de La Florida.
Think about all the ways local government influences your life every time increasing services to the entire community.
day. Delivering services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, your
local governments have the greatest daily impacts on your lives. According to the 2006 Certification of Taxable Value received from
Most citizens admit to knowing more about the country’s federal the Miami-Dade County Property Appraisers Office, the taxable
government structure than they do about how government in their value for the City of Miami Beach increased from $17.45 billion to
community functions, how it is funded, and how it affects them. $22.74 billion as of January 1, 2006. This included over $786
million in new construction. A 32 percent increase over 2005’s final
Every time you drive or walk around the city, enjoy your favorite park, taxable values of $17.23 billion.
turn on your faucet, or follow directions from a police officer, you are
enjoying the benefits of city governments working for you. Since property taxes are collected almost a year after they are
assessed, the taxes generated by the increased property values as of
In Florida, cities are independent of the county and state, in most January 1 2005 and January 1 2006 became available to the City
instances of self-governing power. Every community has different of Miami Beach in Fiscal Years 2005/06 and 2006/07. In fact,
needs that their cities and counties try to address. Within Florida are changes in property values in 2006 which not become available to
67 counties, over 400 cities, and nearly 1,000 special districts. the City of Miami Beach until Fiscal Year 2007/08.
Miami Beach is a city of only 7.2 square miles and 85,000 residents. Property Tax Relief
It also provides services, as an international destination, to over 15 In response to the increased property values for those two years, for
million visitors per year and hosts world-class events such as the South the Fiscal Year October 2006 through September 2007, the City
Beach Wine and Food Festival and Art Basel Miami Beach. of Miami Beach reduced the amount of taxes paid per $1,000 in
property value (also known as “the millage rate ” from 8.173 to
Since not every city is the same, flexibility in how local governments 7.673. In fact property owners have also seen the Miami Beach
budget for services must respond to the unique characteristics of their millage rate* steadily decrease over the last 20 years from 14.476
cities. in 1987 to 7.673 this year.
The City’s budget absorbs the impact of increases in water and Miami Beach’s three percent Resort Tax is paid by visitors that stay
sewer wholesale rates charges to Miami Beach for 2005/06, in Miami Beach hotels. A two percent tax was originally approved
which the County has allowed to be deferred until this year. In by Miami Beach voters in 1968 and another one percent was
effect, the City absorbs a charge of $0.29 per thousand gallon for approved in 1992.
households and businesses – equivalent to $38 per household for
the average residential customer - an increase that otherwise would The two percent Miami Beach Resort Tax funds $5.3 million and
have been passed on to households, as well as to businesses. $1.4 million respectively to the Greater Miami Convention and
Visitors Bureau and the Miami Beach Visitors Convention Authority
Public Benefits as well as almost $20 million General Fund expenditures to pay for
City expenditures usually include payments for maintaining the tourism-related services, such police, sanitation and other services
physical environment like water and sewer systems, landscaping, associated with special events such as Art Basel Miami Beach,
and clean streets; supporting services such as public safety (police Memorial Day Weekend, lifeguard services, …
and fire), recreation and culture; economic development; and
transportation. Salaries and benefits are also paid to the staffs that Half of the additional one percent is used as follows: 50 percent of
provide those services to you. the amount earned is committed to the payment of a portion of the
debt service on the Miami Beach Redevelopment Agency – City
(Visual: List common city expenses Miami Beach millage expenditure Center/Historic Convention Village Bonds. These bonds were
chart - % to police, fire, lifeguards for our beaches, etc. – perhaps used for the development and construction of certain public areas
show a $bill cut up into pieces) including cultural facilities located with the district. The remaining
50 percent is allocated throughout the city for the maintenance
Miami Beach is also leading the way with innovative and and enhancement of Miami Beach’s tourism-related areas; such as
progressive programs and ideas that benefit the community. It will landscaping, art and cultural programs and public safety.
be launching a free WiFi network throughout the city before the
end of the year. Sales Tax
Florida is among only seven states in the nation without an individual
Water & Sewer Fees income tax. Florida’s sales tax (currently six percent) is among the
It comes into your home and leaves without notice. You use it make highest in the nation.
coffee; it is used to flush the toilet; and lately, its use has been
restricted because of drought conditions. Florida law mandates a minimum sales tax rate of six percent.
It is collected by the state government to provide services to all
Tap water and wastewater are Miami Beach’s largest import and Floridians. However, the law also provides for a local option sales
export. Your tap water comes through huge underground lines from tax that lets each county set its own local tax that is collected on top
the mainland. Wastewater is pumped out of the islands underground of the general state rate.
and under water to Miami’s Virginia Key for processing. Along the
way, Miami Beach monitors its flow and uses pump stations to help In 1991, Miami-Dade County voters approved an additional one
it move along to each customer point. penny tax to pay for health care; and in 2002, a half penny tax
for improvements in transportation. The sales tax in Miami-Dade
Miami Beach buys its water from Miami-Dade County. The City’s County is thus seven and a half percent.
Public Works Department safeguards and maintains the infrastructure
throughout the city. Since most of the pipes running underground Bond Rating
were placed there when the city was originally formed, many The City of Miami Beach has received high marks from the nation’s
have to be replaced or restored. And as the demand for service bond-rating services because of its fiscal prudence. In the fall of
increases, new pumps and lines are necessitated. 2006, Wall Street’s Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the City
of Miami Beach’s General Obligation Rating from A1 to Aa3. And
MENTION MASSIVE WATER, SEWER & STORMWATER Standards and Poor, another bond-rater, issued Miami Beach a
UPGRADES UNDERWAY - $’s, Minimal prior upgrades to system __________ . ANY OTHERS??
in 50 years, costs will be borne by users over next several years
According to Moody’s, the Aa3 rating is based on the City’s
Resort Tax substantial tax base with an established national and international
Miami Beach has seen an unprecedented increase in visitors over tourism and entertainment-based economy, as well as a solid
the last couple of years. Occupancy rates and annual revenue per financial position, sound budgeting practices and average debt
Form of Government
Miami Beach, founded in March 1915, has a council-
manager form of local government -- the most common form of
municipal government in Florida. Approximately half of Florida’s
municipalities are run by professional managers or administrators.
The elected mayor and commissioners decide policy and create
laws and appoint a city manager. City managers are responsible
for municipal administration, as well as supervising and
coordinating departments, appointing and removing directors,
and making regular reports to the commission. The manager
prepares the budget for the council’s consideration and makes
reports and recommendations to the city commission. The mayor
is the ceremonial head of the city. The mayor, elected every four
years, presides over council meetings and makes appointments to
boards and has an equal vote on the city commission. There are
six elected commissioners each elected at-large alternating every
two years. There are no district seats in Miami Beach.
The unit also assists in forming homeowner’s associations and crime watch groups; officers Seguridad en motocicletas
often attend these community meetings as part of their outreach efforts. ¿SABÍA USTED QUE…? El
“One really great thing is that we have monthly meetings here in North Beach so everybody cuatro por ciento de los residentes
has the opportunity to talk to Officer Blanco and get to know him – the new residents in this de South Beach usan motocicletas
area really appreciate that,” said Deborah Ruggiero, North Beach resident. o ciclomotores como su medio
principal de transporte.
The crime prevention unit of the Office of Community Affairs began sending out weekly crime
CONSEJOS PARA MOTOCICLISTAS
reports to North Beach residents – sent out through the homeowner’s associations – in early
No esté entrando y saliendo de
2007. This is a test program only in North Beach right now, but if all goes well, it will be
los carriles ni conduzca por la
expanded throughout the city. “The feedback from the informational flyer and the crime report línea media entre dos carriles. Los
has been phenomenal, residents can now see what’s going on in their neighborhood -- what conductores no esperan que haya
crimes are occurring and information on wanted subjects,” Blanco said. motociclistas en medio de dos
Many times the information gathered through the community outreach helps to solve a crime. carriles así que no lo verán. No se
pase en los carriles de emergencia.
“Recently, we made two arrests for graffiti thanks to an involved community member,” Blanco said.
Utilice implementos adecuados:
The resource team also works closely with other City departments to resolve community issues. casco de protección en caso de
For illegal dumping, they coordinate efforts with sanitation to do a clean up; and for graffiti, algún choque y material reflectivo
they work with property management to get it removed. que aumente su visibilidad para
otros motociclistas.
Ruggiero encourages residents to get more involved with neighborhood watch groups and to
call in when they see things like illegal dumping or graffiti. “Let’s help make our neighborhood Mantenga el espacio y el tiempo
a safer – and better – place to live,” she said. suficientes para reaccionar. Tenga
espacio para el freno de emergencia.
continuado en la página XX
16 | MB magazine | april/may 2007
yourspace suepacio
El Distrito Arquitectónico propuesto de North Shore está comprendido Para obtener más información sobre las nominaciones de los
en términos generales entre la Calle 73 por el sur, la Calle 87 por el distritos históricos de North Shore y Normandy Isles, visite el
norte, el Océano Atlántico por el este –excluyendo Collins Avenue sitio web www.miamibeachfl.gov/newcity/depts/planning/
al norte de la Calle 76– y Crespi Boulevard por el oeste. planning.asp o comuníquese con Joyce Meyers llamando al
teléfono 305.673.7000, Ext. 6167, o escriba a joycemeyers@
El Distrito Arquitectónico propuesto de Normandy Isles está miamibeachfl.gov.
comprendido en términos generales entre Biscayne Bay y una
porción de la Calle 71 por el sur, Normandy Shores Golf Course
por el norte, Indian Creek Waterway por el este y Rue Notre
Dame, al norte de Biarritz Drive, por el oeste.
The developer chosen for the project, UIA management, CARNIVAL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
is also constructing a new parking garage on the corner WALKING TALL CIRCUS
NORTH SHORE PARK & YOUTH CENTER - 501 72ND STREET
of Lincoln Road and Alton Road (1111 Lincoln Road SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2007; TIME TBA
Project) that will create additional parking and retail An afternoon of juggling, clowning, stilts, trapeze and
space. UIA will fund the costs for the replacement of puppeteering...who could ask for more? Move over Ringling
sidewalks, curbs and gutters as well as contributions for Brothers we’ve got the North Shore circus performers putting
design and legal fees. UIA has also agreed to match the their skills on stage. Groups will be showcasing their physical
theater skills with the help of guest artists Wise Fool, New
City’s Art in Public Places contribution to the project. Mexico and the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts. Come
join the fun! For more information please call 305-861-3616.
City funding for the project comes from the City Center
Redvelopment Agency -- including the construction costs,
landscaping, fountains, street furniture and improved
infrastructure.
Don’t wait till hurricane season, get prepared No espere hasta la temporada de huracanes, prepárese
“It is better to prepare yourself for the worst and hope for the best,” “Es mejor prepararse para lo peor y esperar lo mejor”, es el llamado
urged Miami Beach Emergency Management Coordinator Donald que nos hizo Donald Druitt, Coordinador de Manejo de Emergencias
Druitt before the 2006 hurricane season. Last year, our hopes were de Miami Beach antes de la temporada de huracanes de 2006. El año
answered; South Florida was fortunate to have a very mild 2006 pasado nuestras esperanzas no fueron en vano: el Sur de la Florida tuvo
hurricane season. However, do not let that deter you from having la fortuna de tener una benigna temporada de huracanes en el 2006.
a hurricane plan and preparing your home for this summer. For Sin embargo, no permita que esto le impida tener un plan de preparación
more information on preparedness, attend one of the upcoming para huracanes y acondicione su casa para este verano. Para obtener
hurricane fairs. más información sobre cómo prepararse, asista a una de las ferias de
preparación para huracanes que se realizarán próximamente.
Sixth Annual Hurricane Information & Preparedness Fairs
Sunday, May 6, 2007 – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sexta Feria Anual de Información y Preparación para Huracanes
Lincoln Road between Lenox and Michigan Domingo 6 de mayo de 2007 -- 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 12, 2007 – 9:00 a.m. – Noon Lincoln Road entre Lenox y Michigan
North Beach Farmer’s Market, Normandy Fountain Sábado 12 de mayo de 2007 -- 9:00 a.m. – Mediodía
Saturday, June 2, 2007 – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. North Beach Farmer’s Market, Normandy Fountain
South Pointe Police Satellite Station, 210 2 Street Sábado 2 de junio de 2007 – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Estación Satélite de Policía de South Pointe, 210 2 Street
Senior Fitness
Exercise is vital for a healthy
lifestyle at any age – whether PARKS & RECREATION
you’re a child, teenage or FITNESS/ACTIVE CLASSES FOR SENIORS
senior. Proper exercise and
diet can prevent a number of North Shore Park & Youth Center
diseases, and Miami Beach Chair Aerobics • Tuesday/Thursday
offers its residents a plethora 11:00 a.m. – Noon FREE
of activities to help you stay
Yoga • Wednesday/Friday
strong and healthy, most of
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. FREE*
which are free.
Line Dancing • Thursday
Nearly 30 percent of Miami 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. FREE
Beach residents are 55 and
Tai Chi • Friday
older, many of whom strive to
9:00 a.m. – Noon FREE
stay fit. In an effort to promote
health awareness among the Fitness • Monday/Friday
senior community, the City 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. FREE
offers a wide range of fitness Shuffleboard
classes and programs, such Courts open during building hours FREE
as aerobics, line dancing
* Classes are offered in cooperation with Miami
and yoga, for seniors who Beach Adult Community Education Center. Adults
wish to maintain a healthy must register with the center.
and active lifestyle.
“Our seniors are productive
Flamingo Park
Water Aerobics • Monday/Wednesday
and valuable members of
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
our Miami Beach community. By providing seniors with a variety of recreational
Morning Walk & Coffee • Tuesday/Thursday
programs, it allows them to get out of the house, learn a new hobby or stay fit -- all
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. FREE**
of which can promote mental and physical longevity,” said Cindy Casanova, park
facilities manager for North Shore Park & Youth Center.
Scott Rakow Youth Center
One popular class is yoga, which is offered every Wednesday and Friday at the North Adult/Senior Water Aerobics • Wednesday
Shore Park & Youth Center. Yoga offers physical – and mental – benefits, bringing 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. FREE**
renewed vitality to a healthy lifestyle, and many of the seniors who participate in the
class feel the positive effects from it. 21st Street Recreation
Yoga • Thursday
“I feel like I have more ambition to do things,” said Hilda Mena, a senior who
10:00 a.m. FREE*
participates in the weekly yoga classes at the North Shore Park & Youth Center.
* Classes are offered in cooperation with Miami
In addition to the classes, Miami Beach’s many board and beachwalks are ideal Beach Adult Community Education Center. Adults
locations for seniors to work out on their own time and pace. must register with the center.
**For residents; $6 for non-residents
DID YOU KNOW? May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month. Osteoporosis is
an illness in which bones become fragile and more susceptible to fractures. It is found
in many older adults because as part of the aging process, bone tissue may deteriorate
over time. However, osteoporosis can occur at any age. Stop osteoporosis with proper
exercise and diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Bones give the body the ability to do just
about anything – walk, jump, run – so it is important to maintain strong bones. For more
information, visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation website at www.nof.org.
A Growing Endeavor currently a waiting list; however most who garden there now say
it was well worth the wait. The Victory Garden Citizen’s Steering
Committee oversees the operation of the garden and the City
provides support.
An imaginative Art-in-Public-
Places fence, designed by
Andrew Reid, surrounds
the Victory Garden and
memorializes the role of Miami
Beach in the domestic training
efforts of World War II.
Una imaginativa valla de Arte en
Lugares Públicos, diseñada por
Andrew Reid, rodea a Victory
Garden y rememora el rol de
Miami Beach en los esfuerzos
de entrenamiento doméstico en
la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
22 | MB magazine | april/may 2007
Bienvenido a las aventuras de la horticultura y la jardinería en Debido al éxito de Victory Garden y a la demanda de más
South Pointe, un área conocida más por sus condominios y hoteles espacio, actualmente se están haciendo planes para construir una
de gran altura que por sus fértiles y variadas huertas. En febrero nueva huerta comunitaria de mayor tamaño en North Beach. Se
de 2005, la Ciudad de Miami Beach celebró la reapertura de tiene pensado que esta huerta de North Beach estaría situada en
su huerta comunitaria (trasladada a la Avenida Collins #226) ____________ (what is the actual location – address??). Aunque el
y la denominó Victory Garden. La huerta honra la memoria de proyecto actualmente está en las etapas de diseño y planificación,
Joseph J. Villari, veterano de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, activista podría estar terminado para fines de 2007. Si usted está
y residente durante mucho tiempo de Miami Beach, quien dedicó interesado en alquilar un lote, llame a Rhonda Gracie al teléfono
su vida a hacer de South Pointe un lugar mejor y más seguro. Fue 305.673.7000 ext. 6311.
él quien propuso con firmeza el nombre de Victory Garden.
The Miami Beach Parking Department is the single largest provider RESIDENTIAL PARKING
of parking in the city. It handles street and lot parking throughout Although less than half of residents living in South Beach use cars
the city. Through metered lots, on-street parking, residential permit as their mode of transportation, South Beach is where “rubber
programs and other innovative methods, the parking department meets the road.” With only approximately 10,000 public parking
strives to reduce traffic congestion on city streets -- as well as to spots south of 23rd Street, it does not take a mathematician to
provide residents and visitors alike with the convenience of nearby figure out that parking real estate is a commodity – especially if
access to their vehicles. you live in this area.
Armed with 113 full-time employees and six part-time employees, the The City of Miami Beach, in an effort to provide residents with
Parking Department takes on the many challenges faced in urban adequate parking for personal vehicles, established residential
parking. In a city that never sleeps and is limited in space, parking parking zones in several areas of the city. There are 13 residential
personnel is out on the streets enforcing regulations 24/7. zones in effect and nine just in South Beach. To park in these
zones during restricted hours, vehicles must display a residential
Over the next few years parking availability in Miami Beach will parking permit decal. Year-long residential permits range from
grow. In addition to creating more parking, the department has $21.40 to $274.20. Residential zones are tow-away zones for
implemented many operational improvements to provide more those vehicles without the proper decal. They are strictly enforced.
efficient, safe and cost-effective service, and there are many more Each zone is clearly marked with street signs.
initiatives to come.
If a resident with a residential parking permit cannot find parking
REVENUES within a reasonable distance of their home within their residential
RESIDENTREACTION
KRISTINA SALLIE, MIAMI BEACH RESIDENT ANDREW GILER, MIAMI BEACH RESIDENT NICOLAS MESSIREL, MIAMI BEACH RESIDENT
“You have to battle to find a spot because the visitors “Parking is a pain so I walk. Parking is about luck -- you “Don’t need a car in Miami Beach; use a bike because
can park in our zone during the day. A way to make never know when its going to be a problem.” parking is a nightmare. I recommend that the City buys
visitors happy is to extend hours that they can park in the bike for everyone.”
DIDYOUKNOW? SURVEYSAYS
The Parking Department makes 1,500 signs per year and
approximately 30,000 linear feet of curb is painted.
77%
rated it as too little or much too little.
If you need to get a parking sign fixed or a curb painted, please
send a written request to the Parking Assistant Director at the
46%
responded that the availability of parking in their neighborhood
City of Miami Beach Parking Department, at the Palm Court
was either about the right amount, too much or much too much
Building 309 23rd street, Suite 200, Miami Beach, Florida
33139 and please specify the exact problem and location of
the sign or curb. You can also contact the Miami Beach Answer
Center at 305.604.CITY (2489) or click on a Better Place at
www.miamibeachfl.gov.
Tremont Towing
1916 Bay Road, Miami Beach, Fl 33139
305.672.2395
Beach Towing
1349 Dade Blvd., Miami Beach, Fl 33139
305.534.2128
You must present valid photo identification and valid vehicle registration. Cash
and checks with your name and address matching your identification are the
only accepted forms of payment.
Parking at New Location
The new location of the Miami Beach Parking HOW CAN I CONTEST A TICKET I FEEL WAS WRONGLY ISSUED?
Department is 309 23 Street, Suite 200. The Parking Department only reviews two types of parking citations, broken meters
The Parking Department now accepts Visa, or residential/municipal permit citations. If you feel that you were cited in error,
bring the ticket to the Parking Department within 15 days of receiving the ticket.
MasterCard, and American Express. Office
We will review the citations and if it is denied, then you can always appeal by
hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00
requesting a hearing and court date through the Parking Violations Bureau.
p.m. If you have any questions or concerns
regarding the parking matters, please do not hesitate to contact If you would like to pay the citation, payments are accepted at any of the Miami-Dade
us at 305.673.7505 ext. 6200. Court offices listed on the back of your citation. You can also pay by calling 305.275.1133
or online at www.miamidade.gov with a credit card and your citation number.
Las Nuevas Oficinas del departamento de parking de la cuidad
de Miami Beach se encuentran en 309 23 Street, Suite 200. El WHERE DO I GO TO CONTEST A TICKET THAT THE PARKING
Departamento acepta Visa, Mastercard y American Express. DEPARTMENT CANNOT REVIEW?
All other types of tickets (prohibited, police) we do not review. Therefore, to
Si tiene alguna pregunta o problema relacionado con asuntos contest a ticket you must set it for court at the Parking Violations Bureau, 22 NW
de estacionamiento, por favor comuníquese con nosotros al 1 Street, Miami, Florida. You can request that the hearing be held at the Miami
305.673.7505 ext. 6200. Beach County Courthouse located at 225 Washington Avenue.
Celebrating
Jewish Heritage
Joe and Jennie Weiss, along with their son Jesse,
made Miami Beach their home in 1913. They
purchased a bungalow on Biscayne Street and
opened an eatery called Joe’s Restaurant in 1918.
In 1924, they started selling stone crabs. The rest
is history. Joe’s Stone Crab, today, is one of world’s
most popular restaurants and synonomous with
Miami Beach.
The Weiss family’s memoirs are among the many of
Miami Beach’s first Jewish inhabitants featured in the
Jewish Museum of Florida.
Miami Beach has come a long way since the days of the Jewish ghetto The museum continues to foster and grow. Today with assistance from
– the Jewish community, today, is an integral part of the entire city. a $500,000 grant from the City of Miami Beach, the museum is in its
first phase of expansion as it renovates Miami Beach’s first synagogue
After an extensive $1.5 million renovation with support from the City of located next door. The newly renovated building will be rededicated
Miami Beach and other public and private funding, the Jewish Museum on April 30, 2007 and will house an additional exhibit hall, event
of Florida opened in 1995. The museum is located in a unique historic space, collections and research center, and offices.
building at Washington Avenue and 3 Street that once served as
an orthodox synagogue for Miami Beach’s first Jewish congregation The next phase of the expansion will connect the two buildings together
which was the center of Jewish life on the beach. and create a café and a walkway in between. Future plans include
building a new 10,000-square-foot building for expanded collections
The museum features 77 stained glass windows, a Moorish copper and research center and exhibit prep shop over the adjacent parking
dome, Art Deco chandeliers, and a marble lot. This will triple the public space and the three buildings will all be
bimah. In 1980, the building, originally connected.
designed by Art Deco architect Henry
Hohauser, was placed on the National The museum attracts a diverse group of visitors – local, national and
Register of Historic Places. international tourists, students, faculty and staff from public and private
schools and universities, young and old.
Jewish history, culture and heritage is
celebrated at the Jewish Museum of “Our exhibits play an important role in helping students think about
Florida, a research/collecting institution how to live in harmony with each other and helping build critical
that documents more than 230 years thinking skills and values that connect them to themselves, to their own
of life in Florida. The museum contains culture, and to civilization,” Zerivitz said. “After visiting here, students’
exhibits, historical photos and artifacts comments often include, ‘We are more alike than different.’ These
that tell numerous stories of family roots, immigrant experience and responses validate our success in reaching their issues.”
discrimination – all to educate and raise public awareness of this rich
heritage. The museum explores the richness and diversity of Jewish life VISITING EXHIBITS
and the unique ways in which Florida Jews influence and is influenced BONIM: Jewish Builders Building Florida
by the historic and cultural dynamics of Florida, the nation, and the & Building Community
world. NOW THROUGH MAY 30
Highlights the impact of Florida’s Jews on one of our State’s leading
“We are preserving a significant history of the city. Regularly, scholars, industries – development and building.
journalists and filmmakers use our collections for research,” said Marcia
Zerivitz, the museum’s founding executive director. “Since every family The Art of Aging
has an immigrant background, the stories in our museum are about MAY 1 – SEPTEMBER 23, 2007
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Intergenerational Walk or Run”
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 9:30 A.M.
In conjunction with The Art of Aging exhibit and sponsored by the
Dade Community Foundation, the “Intergenerational Walk or Run”
offers families the opportunity to participate in a fun intergenerational
activity together.
Jewish American Heritage Month
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2:00 P.M. - FREE
Florida’s first formal observance of Jewish American Heritage Month.
The theme is “Making America Harmonious: Jewish Contributions
to the Nation’s Music.” Keynote speaker will be Dr. Stephen J.
Whitfield, Brandeis University.
For more information on the museum, entrance costs, and/or On February 4, 1990, the Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach
to RSVP for an event, contact the Jewish Museum of Florida at was dedicated and opened to the public to serve as a permanent
305.672.5044, ext. 11 or email info@jewishmuseum.com. memorial to remember the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
The Holocaust Memorial, located on Meridian Avenue and Dade
The Jewish Museum of Florida is partially funded by a grant made Boulevard, was built to memorialize its victims, serve as solace to
possible by the Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council. its survivors, and also educate the public of this tragic event that
took place more than 60 years ago.
To learn more on this rich history visit the Holocaust Memorial. For
Celebración de la information visit www.holocaustmmb.org or call 305.538.1663.
Herencia Judía
Joe y Jennie Weiss, junto con su hijo Jesse, hicieron de Miami Beach
su hogar en 1913. Compraron una casa sencilla en Biscayne
Street y abrieron un sitio de comidas al que denominaron Joe’s
Restaurant, en 1918. En 1924 empezaron a vender cangrejos. El
resto es historia. Joe’s Stone Crab, es hoy uno de los restaurantes
más populares del mundo y sinónimo de Miami Beach.
Big Splash for Spring family-oriented aquatic experience for our community. It’s is a great
place to beat the heat or simply enjoy the sun and take a cool dip
afterward. The Mediterranean Revival-influenced architecture and
The Normandy Isle Neighborhood has a distinctly different beautiful landscaping provide an inviting setting for the pool.
atmosphere from other neighborhoods in Miami Beach. The
community serves as the gateway to Miami Beach from Northeast There is much more here than just a swimming hole. The park
Miami-Dade County and has a high concentration of some of opened last summer with a new field that is ideal for soccer,
the best examples of MiMo architecture in South Florida. The shade pavilions for picnic lunches and a multi-purpose court for
Normandy Fountain at Bay Drive and Normandy Drive was built to basketball, street hockey and other activities. New landscaping
be reminiscent of the French Riviera, and indeed to remind visitors and a decorative iron fence make the park a pleasant and safe
that they are in the Riviera of the Southeast United States. Even the environment for players of all ages to enjoy activity while protected
street names transport you to the Left Bank, with names like Rue from the traffic on 71st Street. A parking lot provides safe parking
Notre Dame and Marseilles Drive. The residents and businesses in for nearly 25 cars, with additional parking on the streets adjacent
this part of North Beach bring a certain cosmopolitan flair to the to the park, Rue Granville and Trouville Esplanade.
rest of the City.
But the big news is the pool – or rather the two pools, that provide
The neighborhood is also home to the newest of Miami Beach’s three wonderfully wet entertainment for even the youngest visitors. The
aquatic facilities. In South Beach, residents enjoy the Flamingo Pool four-lane lap pool can be used year-round, as state-of-the-art pool
at Flamingo Park, in Middle Beach, residents can choose between equipment includes a heating system. The facility offers restrooms,
ice skating and swimming as an activity at the Scott Rakow Youth lockers, showers, a multipurpose room and drinking fountains.
Center. And in North Beach, where residents have a myriad of
The Parks and Recreation Department has a full schedule of events
recreational choices, the Normandy Isle Park and Pool provides
for residents who want to enjoy the facility, so check with the Parks
family fun in the sun.
Department Web page on www.miamibeachfl.gov for updated
The Normandy Isle Park and Pool will finally re-open to the public information. Too little to take a dip in the “big pool?” You can still
this spring. Renovations to the 3.6-acre park in the Normandy Isle don your swimsuit and enjoy hours of splashing fun at the in-the-
Neighborhood of North Beach include field renovations, a multi- water tot lot. This playground in a kiddie pool is actually larger has
purpose sports court, shade pavilions and new landscaping. Of more amenities than the original design called for, and promises to
course, the most anticipated part of the park is the new aquatic be a recreation destination for toddlers and other little splashers.
center, which includes a recreation center and locker rooms, and
Jump in, the water’s fun!
not one -- but two pools: a full-sized pool and a tot-lot pool facility
with an aquatic playground.
Residents have waited nearly five years for this facility to be Gran zambullida en primavera
completed. The Capital Improvement Projects Office oversaw El vecindario de Normandy Isle tiene una atmósfera diferente a
the nearly $4.5 million renovations of the entire facility. With all la de otros sectores de Miami Beach. La comunidad sirve como
that the new park and pool have to offer, the wait was worth punto de entrada a Miami Beach desde el noreste del Condado
it. This beautiful new neighborhood landmark provides a safe, de Miami-Dade y tiene una alta concentración de algunos de los
El sector es también sede de las tres instalaciones acuáticas más nuevas de Miami Plus - List locations and hours of operation
Beach. En South Beach, los residentes disfrutan con la Piscina Flamingo en Flamingo for all MB pools - Normandy, Scott Rakow
Park; en Middle Beach, los residentes pueden elegir además entre el patinaje en el and Flamingo.
hielo y la natación como actividades en Scott Rakow Youth Center. En North Beach,
donde los residentes tienen un gran número de opciones recreativas, Normandy Isle I have an e-mail to Irene to collect this
Park and Pool ofrece diversión y sol a las familias. info.
Normandy Isle Park and Pool finalmente reabrirá al público esta primavera. Las
renovaciones del parque de 3.6 acres en el vecindario de Normandy Isle de North
Beach incluyen renovaciones del campo, una cancha deportiva de propósitos múltiples,
pabellones de sombra y nuevos jardines y zonas verdes. Por supuesto, la parte más
esperada del parque es el nuevo centro acuático, que incluye un centro de recreación,
salas con vestuarios y no una sino dos piscinas: una grande y otra para niños con
espacios acuáticos recreativos.
Los residentes han esperado durante cerca de cinco años para ver terminadas estas
instalaciones. La Oficina de Proyectos para Grandes Mejoras supervisa las renovaciones
de todas las instalaciones, cuyo costo es de aproximadamente $4.5 millones. Con
todo lo que tienen para ofrecer este nuevo parque y sus piscinas, la espera valió la
pena. Esta nueva y maravillosa realización de nuestra comunidad proporciona una
experiencia segura para las familias que gustan de la recreación acuática. Es un gran
lugar para defenderse del calor o simplemente para disfrutar del sol y luego darse una
refrescante zambullida en el agua. La arquitectura –bajo la influencia del Renacimiento
Mediterráneo– y las hermosas zonas verdes proporcionan un escenario en el que las
piscinas resultan verdaderamente provocativas. Pero hay mucho más que simplemente
unas piscinas. El parque abrió el verano pasado con un nuevo campo ideal para
el balompié, pabellones de sombra para almorzar al aire libre y una cancha para
propósitos múltiples que sirve para baloncesto, jockey y otras actividades. Nuevas
zonas verdes y vallas de hierro decorativo convierten el parque en un lugar placentero
y seguro para que personas de todas las edades disfruten de actividades deportivas
y recreativas protegidas del tráfico de la Calle 71. Un lote de estacionamiento ofrece
un espacio seguro para cerca de 25 automóviles, con opción para estacionar en las
calles adyacentes al parque: Rue Granville y Trouville Esplanade.
Pero la gran noticia es la piscina, o digamos más bien las dos piscinas, que ofrecen una
maravillosa oportunidad de entretenimiento incluso para los visitantes más pequeños.
La piscina grande de cuatro carriles se puede usar todo el año y sus modernos equipos
incluyen sistema de calefacción. El Departamento de Parques y Recreación tiene una
completa programación llena de eventos para los residentes que deseen disfrutar
con estas instalaciones; en la página en Internet de dicho Departamento, www.
miamibeachfl.gov, usted puede encontrar información actualizada. ¿Muy pequeño
para zambullirse en la “piscina grande”? Aún así se puede poner su traje de baño y
disfrutar de horas de salpicante diversión en el espacio acuático para pequeñitos. Esta
zona de recreo en una piscina para pequeñines es de hecho más grande y tiene más
amenidades que las que ofrecía el diseño original y promete ser un destino recreativo
para infantes y otros pequeños salpicadores.
Las instalaciones ofrecen baños, gabinetes, duchas, una sala para propósitos múltiples
y fuentes de agua potable. Todo lo que usted tiene que hacer es traer una toalla y
protector solar. ¡Salte al agua y disfrútela!
For more information on the Neighborhood Resource Program, call Muchas veces la información obtenida a través del contacto directo
305-673-7823. con la comunidad ayuda a resolver un delito. “Recientemente
arrestamos a dos pintores de graffitis gracias al compromiso de un
The Miami Beach Police Department offers in-home crime miembro de la comunidad”, dijo Blanco.
prevention assessments free of charge. The officers will do a
security assessment of a home or business to help make it a less El equipo de recursos también trabaja estrechamente con
likely target for criminals. otros departamentos de la Ciudad para resolver asuntos de la
comunidad. Cuando aparecen basuras arrojadas en lugares
Mirada vigilante sobre el crimen prohibidos, el equipo coordina esfuerzos con el departamento de
saneamiento para la debida limpieza; y en el caso de graffitis, se
“Los residentes querían más presencia de la policía en sus trabaja con la administración de las propiedades para hacer que
comunidades y eso es justamente lo que les estamos ofreciendo”, las paredes recobren su estado normal.
afirmó el Sargento Bobby Hernandez, Oficial de Información
Pública de la Policía de Miami Beach y director de la recién Ruggiero invita a los residentes a participar más activamente
creada Oficina de Asuntos Comunitarios. Como resultado de con los grupos de vigilancia de los vecindarios y a llamar a la
la encuesta a la comunidad efectuada en 2005, la Ciudad unidad cuando vean acciones ilegales como arrojar basura en
de Miami Beach incrementó el número de oficiales de recursos lugares indebidos o pintar graffitis. “Ayudemos a hacer de nuestra
de la comunidad y especialistas de servicio público. Ahora comunidad un lugar más seguro y mejor para vivir”, dijo ella.
en cada distrito hay un Oficial de Recursos de la Comunidad:
en South Beach, Middle Beach y North Beach, mientras que Oficiales de Recursos de la Comunidad:
anteriormente sólo había un oficial para todo Miami Beach. South Beach – Alex Bello
Middle Beach – Bruce Songdahl
“Nuestro trabajo como unidad es servir como enlace y puente entre la North Beach – Julio Blanco
comunidad y el departamento de policía”, dijo el Oficial Julio Blanco,
Oficial de Recursos de la Comunidad de North Beach. “Vamos hasta Si desea obtener más información sobre el Programa de Recursos
donde están nuestros ciudadanos y nos informamos sobre lo que está de la Comunidad, llame al teléfono 305-673-7823.
ocurriendo, qué necesitan, qué esperan del departamento de policía
y qué consideran que debe mejorar”, dijo él. PULL OUT
El Departamento de Policía de Miami Beach ofrece evaluaciones
Los oficiales y especialistas de servicio público están afuera, en la domésticas gratuitas para la prevención de delitos. Los oficiales
comunidad, comunicándose con los residentes y enterándose de lo realizan una evaluación de la seguridad de casas o negocios, con
que la comunidad necesita del departamento de policía. Su meta el fin de hacer que disminuyan las probabilidades de ser blanco
es resolver asuntos importantes para los residentes relacionados de los delincuentes.
con la seguridad y la calidad de vida, incluyendo aspectos como
el tráfico, los botaderos ilegales de basura, los graffitis y las
personas sin hogar.
La unidad también ayuda a crear asociaciones de propietarios
de casas y grupos de vigilancia contra el crimen; los oficiales a
menudo asisten a estas reuniones de la comunidad como parte de
sus esfuerzos para integrarse a ella.
“Algo realmente significativo es que realizamos reuniones
mensuales en North Beach de tal manera que todos tengan la
oportunidad conocer al Oficial Blanco y hablar con él. Los nuevos
residentes en el área realmente aprecian esto”, dijo Deborah Seguridad en motocicletas cont.
Ruggiero, residente de North Beach. Antes de cambiar de carril muévase gradualmente y active las
debidas señalizaciones.
A principios de 2007, la unidad de prevención de delitos de
la Oficina de Asuntos Comunitarios empezó a enviar informes No escuche música con audífonos ni hable por teléfono celular.
semanales de delitos a los residentes de North Beach, a través de CONSEJOS PARA LOS CONDUCTORES
las asociaciones de propietarios. Este es un programa de prueba Manténgase alerta por si hay motocicletas.
que actualmente se está llevando a cabo únicamente en North
Beach, pero que si arroja los resultados esperados, se ampliará Permita que los motociclistas tengan muy buen espacio;
a toda la Ciudad. “La retroalimentación con volantes informativos las condiciones del clima y de la carretera hacen que los
motociclistas reaccionen y maniobren en forma diferente a
como lo hacen los conductores de automóviles.
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Miami Beach y fue el centro de la vida judía en la playa. ayuda de una subvención de $500,000 otorgada por la Ciudad de
Miami Beach, el museo está en su primera fase de expansión a medida
El museo tiene 77 vitrales, un domo amoriscado de cobre, candelabros que restaura la primera sinagoga de Miami Beach situada en el edificio
Art Deco y una bimah de mármol. En 1980, el edificio –originalmente contiguo al museo. El edificio recién renovado será reabierto el 30 de
diseñado en estilo Art Deco por el arquitecto Henry Hohauser– fue abril de 2007 y tendrá un pabellón adicional para exhibiciones, un
incluido en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos. espacio para eventos, un centro de colecciones e investigaciones y
oficinas.
La historia, cultura y herencia judía se celebra en el Museo Judío de
la Florida, una institución que investiga y colecciona documentos que La próxima fase de la expansión permitirá conectar ambos edificios y
se remontan a más de 230 años en la vida de la Florida. El museo crear un café y un pasadizo entre ambos. Entre los planes futuros está la
contiene exposiciones, artefactos y fotografías históricas que nos construcción de un nuevo edificio de 10,000 metros cuadrados para
cuentan sobre numerosas raíces familiares, experiencias de inmigrantes ampliar las colecciones, un centro de investigaciones y exposiciones
y casos de discriminación, todo esto con el fin de educar al público y prep shop en el lote de estacionamiento adyacente. Esto triplicará el
contribuir a una mayor conciencia sobre esta enriquecedora herencia. espacio público y los tres edificios estarán conectados.
El museo explora la riqueza y diversidad de la vida judía y las formas
únicas a través de las cuales los judíos de la Florida han ejercido El museo atrae a diversos grupos de visitantes: turistas locales,
influencia y han sido influenciados por el dinamismo histórico y cultural nacionales e internacionales, estudiantes, profesores y personal
de la Florida, la nación y el mundo. directivo de colegios y universidades de carácter público y privado,
jóvenes y personas de edad.
“Nosotros preservamos una parte significativa de la historia de la
Ciudad. Académicos, periodistas y documentalistas fílmicos nos visitan “Nuestras exposiciones cumplen un papel importante en la tarea de
con regularidad y utilizan nuestras colecciones con fines investigativos”, ayudar a los estudiantes a pensar en cómo vivir en armonía unos con
dijo Marcia Zerivitz, directora ejecutiva del museo, quien añadió: otros, y a desarrollar el pensamiento crítico y valores a fin de fomentar el
“Puesto que toda familia tiene un trasfondo de inmigrante, las historias contacto con ellos mismos, con su propia cultura y con la civilización”,
que registra nuestro museo son sobre judíos que vinieron a la Florida dijo Zerivitz. “Después de habernos visitado, los comentarios de los
desde diversos lugares y ayudaron a desarrollar nuestro Estado, a la visitantes a menudo incluyen frases como: «Es más lo que nos une que
vez que mantuvieron sus tradiciones, lo cual nos sirve como fuente de lo que nos separa». Estas respuestas validan nuestros esfuerzos y nos
inspiración”. muestran que estamos alcanzando nuestros objetivos”.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your Weekly Source
Francinelee Hand
and Joe Demty
for Miami Beach News and Events
Ever yone who correctly Stay informed of the latest City news and events with CityPage, a weekly full-page
identifies the building featured advertorial that runs in The Miami Herald’s Miami Beach Neighbors section
on the cover of MB is entered every Sunday, as well as monthly in The SunPost. This useful communication
into a drawing for a Miami tool provides timely information and stories, as well as an up-to-the-date listing
Beach gift bag.
of upcoming events and community meetings.
Facade of the South The City also offers a myriad of special interest E-mail notifications to which
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1751 Collins Ave. notifications, i.e. hurricane updates too. Go to www.miamibeachfl.gov.
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