A Message from the
Miami-Dade County Manager, George M. Burgess

A strong, new message is resonating through County hall these days. A commitment to delivering excellence that has changed many employee attitudes and started to shift our organizational culture. Although the County and its 30,000 employees have always been expected to deliver excellent service to the residents of Miami-Dade, lately County employees have been eating, sleeping and breathing a new strategy to deliver excellent services and produce results that truly matter to our residents.

Of course, things do not change overnight, however a well-known Chinese proverb states that “a journey of 10,000 miles begins with but a single step.” For the County, that single step began with the development of our Strategic Plan. The County’s Strategic Plan, developed with extensive input from the community, provides a roadmap of results that we want to achieve.

For Miami-Dade County to continually deliver excellent services, we must continually listen to the needs and expectations of our residents. Although some say that listening can be risky, that you may not hear what you want to hear, I submit that the risk lies in not listening and thus delivering services that do not meet expectations. 

As customer service is the core of our responsibility, as evidenced in our County mission statement, “Delivering excellent public services that address our community’s needs and enhance our quality of life,” the County administered a resident satisfaction survey last year. The goal was to gain additional information on areas we must improve and those in which the citizens of Miami-Dade County want to see change. Our community responded, we listened and now we are taking action!

The County has already launched an aggressive customer service training program for employees and will continue to leverage technology as a means to deliver services to residents who prefer to interact with government electronically. That will free up some of our employees to provide improved levels of service to those residents who prefer face-to-face or telephone-based service.

As I’ve said before, my management philosophy and strategy is guided by providing results that matter, results that include providing excellent service to our customers based on their needs, creating an environment in which businesses can thrive, ensuring the financial stability of County government and establishing an organizational culture that is capable and flexible enough to meet the rapidly changing needs of our community.
Many of the recent changes and improvements to County government as a result of our Strategic Plan and resident survey results serve to streamline County operations, ensure financial stability and set the groundwork for future projects intended to provide residents better services. There are some improvements that you, the resident, can actually take advantage of today. Look no further than the County’s web portal and see for yourself: www.miamidade.gov.

Residents can save time and money by now paying their water bill online, registering for a bulky waste pickup, completing roofing permit applications online, or completing the procurement application process electronically.
  
Miami-Dade County is committed to delivering excellence and I am making a firm commitment to you, the resident, to listen to your needs. For more information about current improvements, visit www.miamidade.gov/manager/. As always, please feel free to email any of your thoughts or suggestions to manager@miamidade.gov.

 
Diamond City Extends Special Limited time
Offer for Free Membership into VIP Club

 
Diamond City, Aventura’s newest fine jewelry retailer, is offering free charter membership into its exclusive VIP Club. Valued at $99, the membership includes 15 percent discount on all purchases, free jewelry cleaning, free repair, appraisals for only $49 with their certified GIA Diamond Grader, special promotional offers, a lifetime guarantee on all jewelry and the opportunity to view new collections before the general public. 

Located at 17900 Biscayne Boulevard, the 4,000 square-foot freestanding store houses a dazzling array of more than 5,000 gold, diamond, and stone jewelry styles and engagement rings. Customers can select quality jewelry including hand-selected, certified diamonds from in-stock inventory, or opt to completely customize a piece. Because the company manufactures everything on premises, they eliminate the middleman and are able to pass on signficant savings to customers at near wholesale prices.

“Regardles of the purchase, all customers receive exceptional pricing and personalized service, in an inviting setting. And our VIP members have the added benefits of previewing our exquisite designs first and enjoying special discounts, among other advantages,” explains co-owner Albert Hanimov.

The brothers Hanimov began their career in diamonds and jewelry manufacturing in New York City 20 years ago. Yuda moved from Israel in 1986 to expand his jewelry education and was joined by Albert two years later. Together, they co-founded a successful manufacturing corporation on 47th Street in New York City. Establishing a company “from nothing,” they built it into a highly respected firm that distributed to select upscale retail stores around the United States.

For more information, visit the store, open five days a week, or call 305-792-5455.
 
 
 
PHOTO IDS
1. Diamond City

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Parkway Regional Medical Center Debuts
New Image-Guided Technology for
Neurological Surgery

 

With an ongoing commitment to offer technically-advanced quality care, Parkway Regional Medical Center has invested nearly $250,000 in the installation of a Stryker Navigation image-guided surgical system to expand the hospital’s neurological capabilities.  

According to the manufacturer, the technology uses infrared optics, tracking software and interactive displays to guide neurosurgeons and their instruments through the delicate anatomy of the brain.     

“Investing in emerging neurological technology gives Parkway the ability to provide patients enhanced quality care,” said Paul A. Walker, Chief Executive Officer of Parkway Regional Medical Center. “This new system helps physicians acquire information to diagnosis and treat of neurological diseases, while the ease of the system allows them to remain focused on patient care,” Walker added.

According to the American Society of Neurological Surgeons, image-guided technology is being used in 850,000 neurosurgical procedures and many of the 220,000 cranial procedures performed each year in the U.S.
The manufacturer describes image-guided neurological surgery as beginning with a CT or MRI scan that shows the patient’s brain anatomy and reveals the location and extent of the abnormality. Scans then are loaded into a virtual 3-D model of the patient’s head, which surgeons use to identify landmarks that correspond to the patient’s real anatomy. The process also helps to determine the size of the incision-needed and the angle and depth of entry into the brain.

During surgery, an infrared camera reads sensors mounted on the patient’s head and the instruments continuously feed their location coordinates to a computer for display on monitors. Tracking software compensates for patient movement, continuously calculating and displaying the location of the surgical instruments relative to the patient’s anatomy.

Parkway Regional Medical Center, part of Tenet South Florida, is a 382-bed acute care hospital located at 160 NW 170th Street in North Miami Beach. To learn more about Parkway Regional Medical Center, visit www.parkwaymedctr.com.

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Coral Gables Hospital and Tenet Healthcare
Foundation Make Donation      

Coral Gables Hospital and Tenet Healthcare Foundation donated $2,500 to the American Cancer Society’s first Relay for Life in the City of Coral Gables. The association assists more than 300 Miami-Dade cancer patients a month; through their cancer control activities; in addition to raising monies for cancer research. 

“Coral Gables is proud to support the fight against cancer.” The American Cancer Society is an organization that mirrors our beliefs of health care education and community support,” said Martha Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of Coral Gables Hospital.

The relay itself consists of teams taking turns walking around the track and the goal is to raise at least $1,000.  The funds go towards research and education of various types of cancer.

“We are grateful that organizations such as Coral Gables Hospital and Tenet Healthcare Foundation have donated funds which not only help with research, but also the local community,” said Alison Lugo, Corporate Sponsorship Chair and volunteer for the American Cancer Association.
To learn more about Coral Gables Hospital, visit www.coralgableshospital.com

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The Baboons to Boogaloo at
Miami Beach Relay for Life

Afro-Cuban funk n’ rollers The Baboons will headline at the Miami Beach Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society on Saturday, May 15 at Flamingo Park on the track at Memorial Field. The percussive primates will feature songs from their critically acclaimed 2001 release Global Gumbo and their award-winning debut Evolution, winner of New Times Miami’s Best Album of the Past Twelve Months in 1999, as well as new songs to be recorded during the summer of 2004. The Baboons‚ Miami Beach Relay For Life performance will feature guest vocalist Bridget Morin of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and will climax with a high-energy conga line through Flamingo Park. This will be the second year that the veteran Miami-based world music ensemble performs at Miami Beach Relay for Life, an annual fundraising effort whose debut last year raised more than $110,000 for the American Cancer Society’s programs of research, education, advocacy and service.

“The Baboons feel very strongly about the importance of the Miami Beach Relay for Life, and I know all of the members of the band are committed to bringing some positive vibrations to this great community event,” said lead singer Majica. “We are looking forward to playing our music for the wildly diverse Miami Beach community that inspired it.”

Since 1993, The Baboons have combined influences culled from South Florida’s rich mix of cultures, creating a genre-busting sound that is a contemporary take on the city's unique accent. Drawing on everything from Afro-Cuban descargas to big-bottomed funk, from reggae to New Orleans blues, from rock n’ roll to samba, The Baboons have endeared themselves to local audiences and critics by blurring the lines between cultures and genres for more than a decade. In 1994, The Baboons were awarded the Florida Jammy Award for Best Worldbeat Band. Since 1999, The Baboons have consisted of lead vocalist/songwriter Majica, drummer/songwriter Manuel Pila, guitarist Rigoberto Castellanos, bassist Chris Castellanos and percussionist Miguel Rega.

For more information on The Baboons, contact Manuel Pila at 305-510-3003. For more information on Miami Beach Relay for Life, contact Dona Zemo at 305-672-1270.

PHOTO IDS
1. The Baboons

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 Fashionable Grand Opening Fete Draws 700+ Design Aficionados to New Palm Beach Design Source, Artefacto
 
               
 
Modern furniture, textiles, art and accessories took center stage against a backdrop of glamour, fun and fashion during the grand opening celebration of the new design source showroom, Artefacto, at City Place. The recently held Brazilian bash brought style savvy sophisticates who feasted on scrumptious nouveau cuisine and libations from Lyon and Lyon while stargazing at gorgeous new collections, local glitterati and models, who presented the latest runway looks as art, courtesy of Neiman Marcus, Merrick Park.

According to Paolo Bacchi, Owner, Artefacto, and host of the fashion meets design experience, “ The City Place design store will feature stunning new contemporary collections where classically modern furnishings are approachably priced and generally available in stock.” Adds Shamin Abass, Owner, Tsunami Restaurant and a guest at the event, “ The showroom is stunning, it brings a fresh perspective to design in Palm Beach County.”

Artefacto’s new 11,000-square-foot City Place showcase focuses on products that blend a minimal Asian aesthetic with the warmth of beautiful Italian finishes. Many items can be custom ordered in over 300 fabric selections and a variety of exotic woods. With nine different locations in Brazil and a 16,000-square-foot flagship store in Coral Gables, Artefacto’s future expansion plans call for a New York location following the City Place launch.

Artefacto, City Place is located at 700 Rosemary Avenue. For more information, call Artefacto at 561-822-0004 or visit www.artefactousa.com. 
 
 
 
PHOTO IDS
 
1. Albino Bacchi, Betini Bacchi, Lais Bacchi and Paolo Bacchi, Bacchi family/owners and operators of more than 12 Artefacto stores launch City Place show

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“Trolley Tea Time” Comes to Coral Gables

Riding the Coral Gables Trolley will be a lot sweeter on Friday, April 30, when La Estancia Argentina - Gourmet Market and Bakery hosts the first “Trolley Tea Time” event from 3-6pm. Designed specifically to foster ridership among the residents near downtown Coral Gables, Trolley Tea Time will feature a special afternoon tea menu at a discounted price for all riders who board the Trolley along Miracle Mile.

“Because Coral Gables is very much an urban residential environment, we wanted to produce a trolley event that showcased the trolley for homeowners along the route and especially in the condo neighborhood along Biltmore Way,” said Coral Gables City Manager David L. Brown.

Trolley Tea Time discount coupons will be passed out to every passenger who boards along the Miracle Mile route by specially dressed Trolley conductors.  At the intersection of Miracle Mile and Ponce de Leon, tea timers will simply transfer to the south-bound trolley and head toward La Estancia Argentina and the San Lorenzo Avenue trolley stop.  

Santiago Llaneza, the Marketing Manager at La Estancia Argentina, developed a special afternoon menu, specifically for Trolley Tea Time. The menu will feature tea, orange juice, two toasted Miga sandwiches, and a choice of either fruit cocktail or three bakery-fresh pastries. The $6 price for the Trolley Tea Time menu represents a $3 savings with a Trolley coupon. La Estancia Argentina is located at 4425 Ponce de Leon, at the Village at Merrick Park.
“The trolley has quickly become an important part of living in Coral Gables,” Llaneza said. “We wanted to host an event to thank the people of Coral Gables for making the trolleys such a welcomed success in our city and to remind our customers that Coral Gables is truly a pedestrian destination.”
The North/South Ponce de Leon Boulevard Route runs along Ponce de Leon Boulevard from the Douglas Metrorail Station to Southwest Eighth Street. This service runs from 7am-7pm, Monday through Thursday and until 10pm on Friday. The East/West Miracle Mile Twilight Route runs along Miracle Mile from Anderson Road to Douglas Road. Timing for this route is Monday through Thursday from 3-7pm, and Friday from 3-10pm.

The trolleys are part of the Urban Improvement Program of the City of Coral Gables, which was set in place to assist the flow of traffic in the commercial areas and to provide connectivity to the MetroRail. The trolleys, which seat approximately 22 people and hold an additional 15 passengers standing, were originally expected to have an annual ridership of 250,000, but with current ridership statistics, this number may actually double.  

Presently, the environmental-savvy trolleys are a free service, thanks to funding from Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of Transportation and People's Transportation Tax.  

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Castaways Against Cancer to Celebrate
5th Annual Adventure Kayaking for a Cure

 Big adventure. Big goals. Big anniversary. The Castaways Against Cancer are gearing up to celebrate their 5th annual kayak trip in support of the American Cancer Society. The team of Miami paddlers is, once again, kayaking from Miami Beach to Key West. The goal, as always, is to help the smart guys in the labs find a cure.

Since their first trip in 2000, the Castaways Against Cancer have paddled more than 600-nautical miles and raised more than $45,000 for the American Cancer Society. In 2004, the team’s goal is to shatter its one-year fundraising record by collecting more than $20,000.

Friends, family and businesses have helped the Castaways over the years and they’re hoping that amazing generosity will again shine brightly. For donation information, please go to www.castawaysagainstcancer.com.
The Castaways do What, for How Long?

The Castaways Against Cancer will be shoving off from the South Beach sand behind Nikki Beach just after dawn on Saturday, July 10th. The seven-member crew will paddle 150-nautical miles in seven days.

In four kayaks, they will paddle between 15 and 35 miles each day and arrive in Key West at the Wyndham Casa Marina beach Friday afternoon, July 16th. Some of the stops along the way include Elliott Key, Holiday Isle, Bahia Honda State Park and Shark Key. 
Who do the Castaways Paddle For?

The team paddles, not only for survivors, but for people who are fighting cancer and those who have lost their battle. Sadly, the list gets longer every year. If you’d like to honor a loved one, please go to www.castawaysagainstcancer.com. The Castaways will gladly put the name of your loved one on their team shirt.

In addition, Saturday evening in Key West, the Castaways will throw a hand-made floral wreath into the ocean from the dock at the Wyndham Casa Marina. All of the names will be read aloud as the wreath floats off into the sunset.

Who Actually does the Paddling?

Castaways Against Cancer founder Steve O’Brien, a teacher at Christopher Columbus High School, leads the crew as team captain. His colleague, Bob Linfors, is back after a year off and will handle the charts as navigator. His brother Patrick, a reporter for News Radio 610 WIOD, returns for his fifth adventure, while graphic designer and Castaways website creator Chad Forbes is back for his fourth. The scientists of the group, Craig Engler and Jeff Croucher, are in their sophomore season.

Jose Sanchez is the rookie, though not really. The South Florida teacher is making his first trip as a member of the Castaways, but in 1998 he paddled with Steve and Bob from Key Largo to Key West in a trip that was made, “to see if it could be done.”
Who Carries What?
 
As per tradition, there is no pilot boat or caravan following the Castaways on the road. Clothes, equipment, food and water are carried on the kayaks. Several of the nights feature primitive camping with little or no facilities to speak of.

In addition to sun block and snacks, radio equipment can be found in Patrick’s kayak. He reports back to WIOD each day of the trip to update listeners on the team’s progress.

For more on the team’s history and to see pictures of past adventures, please visit www.castawaysagainstcancer.com.

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The Alaqua is Officially Unveiled a
s Onsite Sales Center Opens to Public

 
 
Alaqua, the Mediterranean-style condominium by GDC Premier Communities, has officially opened its doors to the public at the onsite sales center, located at 3001 NE 185th Street in the heart of downtown Aventura. Buyers can now view floorplans and individual kitchen and bath vignettes. One to three bedrooms range from 900 to 1,900 square feet with prices from the $400s.

Alaqua features 193 residences, with unique floorplans and standard accoutrements such as 10-foot ceilings and crown moldings. Kitchens have polished granite counters, stainless steel appliances and European-style cabinetry. Designer baths feature chrome fixtures, cultured marble counters and oversized tubs.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer the public a real glimpse of the lifestyle here. Since all of our residences come fully finished, the vignettes truly capture the essence of their homes. And with our sales center onsite, our prime waterfront location is highlighted,” notes Michael Mulhall, Developer of Alaqua.

Alaqua will have its own marina along with a host of luxurious indoor and outdoor amenities. Anne Rue Interiors, Inc. is the interior designer and Cohen, Freedman, Encinosa has been commissioned as the project architect.
 
Alaqua is the first development in Miami for GDC Premier Communities of Florida. Their Orlando area project, Mirasol at Celebration, was honored with eight national awards for excellence including 2003 Project of the Year by Multifamily Executive magazine.
 
Permits are being pulled with construction scheduled to commence this summer. International Sales Group is the exclusive sales and marketing organization for Alaqua.

For more information, call 305-705-9595 or visit www.alaquamiami.com.
 
 
 
 
PHOTO IDS
1. Alaqua

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Quantum on the Bay Reaches Out
to Students in Community

 
Terra Archiplan, the developers of Quantum on the Bay, continue to make a strong statement about their commitment to the arts. Their desire to foster a culturally enriched, active community was evidenced by the recent social event at their Biscayne Boulevard sales center in Miami’s newly emerging arts district. Students from the nearby Miami International University of Art & Design were invited to mingle and meet their neighbors, as a DJ spun tunes in the background.

Erika Fleming, President of Miami International University of Art & Design states, “The University is thrilled to be sharing its neighborhood with Quantum on the Bay. We are delighted that the developers at Terra Archiplan realize the tremendous potential of this area to become one of the premier arts communities in the nation with the Performing Arts Center, the design district, and the many galleries and museums. The addition of Quantum on the Bay will provide wonderful, upscale residences for the community.” 

Miami International University of Art & Design is one of The Art Institutes, with 30 education institutions located throughout North America. Established in 1965, MIUAD provides an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals. The parent company of The Art Institutes, Education Management Corporation is among the largest providers of private post-secondary education in North America. Visit www.artinstitutes.edu.

Quantum on the Bay will rise over Biscayne Bay in the newly dubbed arts district. Being built on 19th Street and North Bayshore Drive, residences will span 500 to 1,400 square feet with floor-to-ceiling windows, large, private balconies, top-of-the-line island kitchens, state-of-the-art security, and walk-in closets. The development will feature amazing bay and park views and over 40,000 square feet of amenities. Two open-air swimming pools, a private health club with world-class spa, exercise facility, and sauna are onsite. Plus there will be a business center, 24-hour security, covered parking, and valet services. Groundbreaking is scheduled for late 2004.
Cervera Real Estate is the exclusive broker.

For more information, call 305-377-8373, visit the sales center at 1751 Biscayne Boulevard, or log onto www.quantumcondos.com.
 
 
 
 
PHOTO IDS
 
1. Quantum on the Bay

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H&H Development’s Gables View,
Complete, Sold Out

 

 
Harvey Hernandez of H&H Development Co. reports that Gables View is complete. The 14-story, 78-unit boutique property was finished two months ahead of schedule and within budget. Residents are currently moving in. The project enjoyed a $21 million sellout in two months. Prices started at $175,000, just below the market rate. 

Gables View was designed by Behar-Font and Partners in classic Mediterranean style infused with a contemporary flair. “This property was received with overwhelming response because of our commitment to high quality construction and design without the high price tag. Our success also lies in the fact that with only 78 units, we offer an intimate setting,” explains Hernandez.

H&H Development was founded in 2002 from a desire to offer the market high-quality, affordably priced boutique condominiums in strategic urban locations. The Coral Gables-based real estate investment and development company currently has seven ground-up development projects in its growing portfolio, including Mediterranea and Solairis. Under the direction of Founder and President Harvey Hernandez, the company projects 2004 annual revenue of $100 million.

For more information, contact 305-740-0819.
 
 
 
PHOTO IDS
 
1. Gables View

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