Miami Beach News 1.24.2013

BY COMMISSIONER DEEDE WEITHORN

During the January CityCommission meeting Ireaffirmed my commit-ment to move forward withthe complete overhaul andredevelopment of theMiami Beach ConventionCenter District.

Updating our agingconvention center and developing anadjoining hotel with potential mixed uses isof unprecedented importance to our cityand county economy as we strive to remaina competing venue for conventions andtourism from around the world.

Proceeding with this $500 million to $1billion development of the 52 acreConvention Center District is an extremelysensitive task that is not to be taken lightly.I am unconditionally committed to ensuringthat this project moves onward but we mustdo so cautiously and attentive to details toavoid flaws, delays, and breaches of the law.

As such, I have strongly advocated forthe public’s involvement and input as weengage in the design processof this project. The redevelop-ment of the Miami BeachConvention Center, thoughmuch needed, must not comeat the cost of the quality of lifeof the residents. One of themain objectives is to get yourthoughts and ideas relative tomassing, traffic, design,façade, public spaces, anduses – including those that arewanted and not wanted.

On January 29th at 6:00 pmthe community will have theopportunity to convene at the first of multi-ple public meetings to express their desiresfor the project. The meeting will take placeat the Convention Center, rooms A101/105on the first floor of the Washington Avenueside of the Convention Center.

The information that the community pro-vides at this and future public meetings will beessential to the success of this project. It is my

hope that in anticipation of theupcoming public meeting youcan come up with helpful ideas,suggestions, and solutions.

There are many rumors cir-culating in the communityindicating that the current CityHall building and that theJackie Gleason will be demol-ished and made part of theConvention Center. At thisjuncture, nobody knowswhether any of this will occur.However, I’d like to share withyou the parcels that could be

considered for possible development as partof the new Convention Center:

• The current Miami Beach ConventionCenter Building located between ConventionCenter Drive & Washington Avenue andbetween Dade Blvd. & 18th Street;

• The historic Carl Fisher Club Houseand the 21st Street Community Centerlocated at the corner of Dade Boulevard andWashington Avenue;

• The surface parking lot located to thenorth of City Hall between 18th Street and19th Street;

• The current City Hall building and theadjoining 1701 Meridian Avenue parcel;

• The surface parking lot and officebuilding located at 555 17th Street;

• The Jackie Gleason/Fillmore Theater;and,

• The 17th Street Parking Garage.The aggregate of the area that could be

considered for development totals 2.27 mil-lion square feet. However, it is highlyunlikely that the entire area will be devel-oped as part of the new Convention Center.

The options being considered includekeeping the existing Convention Center

JAN. 24 - FEB. 5, 2013 –––––––––––– COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM ––––––––––––– Phone: 305-669-7355

BY ALAN A. LIPS

The new year is infull swing! Everyoneis back to work andschool and the MiamiBeach community is asenergetic and inspiringas ever. Winter is trulya magical time to be inMiami Beach. The humidity has abated,the beach breeze is cool, yet the sun stillkeeps us warm. Tourists flock to MiamiBeach during the winter and so manygreat events take advantage of the ami-able weather. Now more than ever,tourists are coming for more than weath-er and beaches—they are coming for theMiami Beach art and culture, the shop-ping, the lifestyle we know and love.

The winter in Miami has plenty tooffer to locals and visitors alike. Here atthe Chamber we have a packed schedule.Our quarterly pillar breakfast took placea couple weeks ago with Former City ofMiami Mayor Manny Diaz deliveringinspiring words of wisdom. TheChamber is hosting events to acquaintnew members to everything it has tooffer, and, of course, the extensive pro-gramming with council meetings andnetworking events continues as usual.

There is no better time than the pres-ent to experience the power of member-ship! Jump right in with upcomingevents such as the Champions ofBusiness Awards Luncheon on Jan. 29 tohonor past chairman Jason Loeb, NBAsports agent David Sugarman and TheForge proprietor Shareef Malnik. Takepart in the 1st Annual Sports WeekendFeb. 28 to Mar. 2, featuring both a golfand fishing tournament to benefit theChamber’s Educational Foundation.

There are so many great opportunitiesto build relationships and expand yourbusiness. If you haven’t already, Iencourage you to stop by the Chamberor give us a call and experience thepower of membership!

I wish all of you continued successand happiness.

At Your Service,Alan A. Lips

Letter from the Chair AA NNeeww CCoonnvveennttiioonn CCeenntteerr UUnnddeerrwwaayy

MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER

Calling for Public Input

–––––––––––––– See CONVENTION CENTER, page 4

The redevelopmentof the Miami BeachConvention Center,

though much needed, must notcome at the cost

of the quality of lifeof the residents.

Page 2 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Jan. 24 - Feb. 6, 2013

¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conozca

Keratosis Actínica?FXM Research en Miramar está buscando hombres y mujeres de 18 años o más quesufran de Keratosis Actínica “pueden ser causadas por la exposición prolongada al sol,resultan en discretas lesiones abultadas, ásperas, secas, y escamosas en su cara y/o cuerocabelludo”, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere cuatro [4]visitas. No se requiere seguro médico para su participación en el estudio.

Los participantes que califiquen recibirán:• Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado.• Los medicamentos bajo investigación o placebo sin costo alguno.• Compensación por tiempo y transporte hasta $200.00.

Franciscoo Flores,, MD.Board Certified Dermatologist / FXM Research Miramar

FXMResearch inMiramar is looking for males and females 18 years or older that sufferfromActinic Keratosis “can be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, result in discrete,rough, dry, scaly bumps on the face and/or the scalp”, to participate in a four [4] study-visit clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation.

Qualified participants will receive:• Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.• Investigational Study Medication or placebo at no cost.• Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $200.00.

Do you or someone you know haveActinic Keratosis?

Forr moree informationn pleasee calll // Paraa máss informaciónn porr favorr llame:

(954) 430-1097FXMM Researchh Miramar30000 SWW 148thh Avenue,, Suitee 216Miramar,, FLL 33027 •• www.fxmresearch.comm

FXMResearch in Miramar is looking for males and females 12 to 35 years of age thatsuffer from FacialAcne, to participate in an eight [8] study-visit clinical research study.Medical Insurance is not required for study participation.

Qualified participants will receive:• Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.• Investigational Study Medication at no cost.• Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $800.00.

¿Tienee ustedd oo alguienn quee ustedd conozcaAcnéé Facial?

FXMResearch enMiramar está buscando hombres y mujeres de 12 a 35 años de edadque sufran de Acné Facial, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación querequiere ocho [8] visitas. No se requiere seguro médico para su participación en el estudio

Los participantes que califiquen recibirán:• Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado.• Los medicamentos bajo investigación sin costo alguno.• Reembolso por tiempo y transporte hasta $800.00.

Do you or someone you know haveFacial Acne?

Franciscoo Flores,, MD.Board Certified Dermatologist / FXM Research Miramar

Forr moree informationn pleasee calll // Paraa máss informaciónn porr favorr llame:

(954) 430-1097FXMM Researchh Miramar30000 SWW 148thh Avenue,, Suitee 216Miramar,, FLL 33027 •• www.fxmresearch.comm

Cindy Brown, a Florida native, has livedin Miami since the age of two. She receivedan AA degree in Music Education fromMiami-Dade then went on to the MusicSchool at University of Miami. Afterchanging majors, she received Bachelor’sDegrees in both Psychology andCriminology. She received a fellowship forgraduate studies in the field of Sociology,also at the University of Miami.

In 1993 she was a member of the chorusof the Greater Miami Opera (now FloridaGrand Opera) in their production of“Carmen.” In 1992 she joined Health CrisisNetwork and began working on AIDSWALK Miami and White Party, eventuallybecoming Assistant Director ofDevelopment. She then moved ontoProgram Director for United Foundationfor AIDS. She left UFA to act as presidentof Cenergy Productions, an event produc-tion company, which produced many suc-cessful fundraising events for various local& national organizations such as SAVEDade, DIFFA & GLSEN. She spent 7 yearsas Managing Director for Miami LightProject.

In 1998 she left MLP to re-engage herprevious company, Cenergy, LLC, a privatefundraising & event productionConsultation Company with clients includ-ing Miami Beach Gay Pride, FloridaImmigrant Advocacy Center, MDGLCC,Miami Workers Center and others. Sheacted as the Director of Miami Beach GayPride for its first 3 years, moving into theposition of Executive Director of theMDGLCC Foundation which operates theLGBT Visitor Center on Miami Beach for 1year. In the summer of 2012 she wasappointed as the Executive Director of The

Miami Beach Botanical Garden, a positionshe currently holds.

She has held board positions forSAVE, SAVE Dade, The Dade HumanRights Foundation, The Gay & LesbianFoundation of South Florida and theAdvisory Committee for the Women’sCommunity Fund (Now The AquaFoundation for Women). She currentlysits on the board of the Miami-Dade Gay& Lesbian Film Festival and theMDGLCC Foundation and was appoint-ed by Commissioner Jonah Wolfson tothe LGBT Business EnhancementCommittee for the City of Miami Beach.She is also on the organizing committeeto bring the World OutGames to MiamiBeach in 2017.

CINDY BROWN

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHTLEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHTCINDY BROWN

Jan. 24 - Feb. 6, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 3

structure and improving upon it by adding anew 60,000 square foot ballroom, an addi-tional 100,000 square feet of breakout meet-ing space, new outdoor function spaces, andconference/business centers, in addition to:

• Infrastructure improvements such asreplacing escalators and windows;

• Sustainability improvements that couldinclude LEED certification, solar roof pan-els, rain water collection, etc.; and,

• Important technology enhancements suchas a distributed antenna system for better cellphone service, expanded Wi-Fi, digital readboards for meeting rooms and exhibit halls,and exterior digital signage and marquees.

As we undertake this project, we are fortu-nate to have some great financial tools for therenovation and redevelopment of theConvention Center; these include the 1% resorttax approved by voters in 2012, $55 million inMiami-Dade County bond proceeds, revenuesfrom land leases, and project generate taxes.

As a city we benefit from many optionsfrom which to choose from and proceed with.I hope that you join in the discussions andcontribute to the planning of the city’s future.

• Public Community Meeting #1,Tuesday, January 29, 6:00 – 7:30 pm,Convention Center rooms A101/105

• Public Community Meeting #2,Wednesday, February 27, 6:00 – 8:00 pm,Convention Center, Flamingo Ballroom 4(West Side off Hall C)

• City Commission Workshop, Thursday,February 28, 9:00 am -12:00 pm,Convention Center, Flamingo Ballroom 4(West Side off Hall C)

The first public meeting on January29th will be a listening campaign for thecommunity to express itself and for thedevelopers to listen and take notes – pleasedo not miss this very important meeting.During the second public meeting theoreticalsite plans will be presented by the developersfor feedback from the community.

I look forward to sharing with you any newinformation that may surface pertaining toour historic redevelopment of the MiamiBeach Convention Center. If you have anyquestions, ideas, or comments, please feelfree to email me at [email protected] call my office at 305-673-7105.

CONVENTION CENTER, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Jan 29 PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETING #1(MBCC [Convention Center] Rooms A101/105)

PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETING #2

CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP 1

CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP #2 & PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETING #3

PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETING 4

CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP #3

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

CONVENTION CENTER PUBLIC MEETINGSA N D

CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOPS



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BY CHARLOTTE LIBOV

“We Are the Women,” aprogram showcasing theprogress of women’s rights,will be the theme of the 5thAnnual Miami BeachWomen’s Conference onMarch 22.

“This is our fifth year.It’s incredible. We are not only alive andkicking, but we are also flourishing, and I amso excited about our theme, “Where WeWere, Where We Are, and Where We areGoing,” said Dona Zemo, the co-founder ofthe event. The conference was founded byMiami Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and isalways held during Women’s History Month.

Now in its fifth year, the conferencedraws several hundred women to the event.The all-day event is held at the MiamiBeach Convention Center, and includes afree breakfast followed by the famous“Lunch in the Garden,” which showcasesan array of the best chefs and caterers, aswell as a silent auction. State Sen. GwenMargolis will also be honored with aLifetime Achievement Award.

The morning program will include theSpeaker’s Panel, led off by nationally

known feminist and former headof the National Organization ofWomen (NOW) Patricia Ireland,human rights leader ElizabethSchwartz and health specialistJersey Garcia.

“I am also very excited aboutour speakers, because they willtell us what the movement waslike, where we are now, and ourfuture, when it comes to issueslike economy, health, and equal-ity for everyone,” said Zemo.

Ireland served as the longesttenured president of NOW from1992-2001. During this time,Ireland helped move the organi-zation to the forefront of thepolitical scene and build a strongand effective women’s move-ment. She played a pivotal role inmaking 1992 the “Year of theWoman,” a campaign that provided feministcandidates with organizers and trained vol-unteer campaign workers to canvass by tele-phone and door-to-door to get voters to the

polls. She continues her work today as alabor lawyer in Miami, representing unionsand employees.

Representing current day leadership isElizabeth Schwartz, who has led the way byhelping women achieve goals in areas inwhich women were once not welcome. Shecurrently is the president of the Miami BeachBar Association and is the Chair of the City ofMiami Beach’s Human Rights Committee.

In addition, she also chairs the Gay andLesbian Lawyers Association of SouthFlorida and a member of the NationalFamily Law Advisory Council of theNational Center for Lesbian Rights, andshe serves as the parliamentarian of theGreater Miami Jewish Federation’sWomen’s Philanthropy, and is on the advi-sory board of “Next@19th: MovingJewish Culture Forward.”

The third speaker, Jersey Garcia, repre-sents the future of women’s rights. She has

served as a Peace Corps volunteer and incollaboration with the Honduran Ministry ofHealth, organized and implemented varioushealth campaigns. She has contributed inbuilding the sustainability of health servicedelivery in Guyana Ecuador, DominicanRepublic, Peru, Guatemala and Trinidad.Currently she is senior Community HealthSpecialist of the Health Council of SouthFlorida and is responsible for strategic plan-ning and resource development.

The conference is free. The cost of theluncheon is $30 prepaid or $35 at the door.Checks should be made out to Women’sExhibit and mailed to Women’s Exhibit,3101 Indian Creek Drive, Suite 104,Miami Beach, 33140.

Sponsors are currently being sought forthe conference, and those interested shouldemail [email protected] or call305-209-6226. More information is avail-able at www.womensexhibit.org.

Speakers chosen for 5th Annual Miami Beach Women’s Conference

Women’s Exhibit–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


BY ANGELICA GALAN

On January 11th, 2013 the Miami BeachChamber of Commerce’s Quarterly PillarBreakfast took place at The AlexanderHotel featuring Former City of MiamiMayor Manny Diaz as the keynote speaker.Pillar Trustee Board Chairman David Sacksintroduced the former mayor, who beganhis speech by addressing why Americanpolitics have to change, which is the inspi-ration for his book, Miami Transformed.Diaz said, “No matter what side of theisland we are on, none of us are reallyhappy with the way things are going.”

Mayor Diaz touched on the environmentin Washington, “What do we see out of DCtoday—no relationships. They simplydon’t like each other. They don’t talk toeach other. They stopped negotiating.” Hecontinued, “We go from crisis to crisiswithout any long term solutions. Commonsense and pragmatism have been replacedby extremism and partisanship.”

“By contrast, cities are very differentand I offer today as I do in the book, threereasons why I think that’s the case.” Thetheme of his book centers on the premisethat in order to rebuild America, there mustbe a rebuild of cities and that is accom-plished one neighborhood at a time. “Weneed to make investments in the peopleand places that make us great and make uswho we are. Think about this, metro areasdrive our national economy, accounting for92% of our nation’s economic growth andalmost 90% of all jobs, income and grossdomestic product, so what that tells me isthat mayors are getting things done everyday.”

Mayor Diaz made his second point thatcities are America’s laboratories and theneed for big ideas. He went on to say, “Weneed our ‘go to the moon’ moment inAmerica today. How about we put asideour differences and all work together torestore America’s financial health. This iswhat leaders do. You dream big then you

lead others to your idea because grandideas inspire grand action.”

Mayor Diaz addressed ‘grand’ ideas thatthey had in Miami while he was Mayor.Some of his goals included making Miamia cleaner city, improving education, chang-ing the perception that Miami was devoidof culture, reducing the crime rate andmaking Miami greener. He met his goalsand brought the average school grade froma “D” to an “A,” shed light on the arts andculture in Miami and increased greenbuilding. Diaz said, “We went from noplan to Miami 21. Those are all ideas thatpeople can rally around.”

Mayor Diaz went on to address invest-ment and spending. “There is a fundamen-tal difference between investing and

spending. Investments have a clear aim,accountability measures and expectedreturns. Mere spending has none of these.We need a return to making strategic andtargeted investments that will producemeasurable returns.”

“I believe that education should nolonger be seen as a social imperative, butas a business and economic imperative.How can we prepare our children for thefuture, especially in this world of amazingtechnology, rapidly developing technology,where the jobs of tomorrow don’t evenexist today?”

“Our lack of comprehensive public tran-sit leaves us to spend over 4 billion hours ayear stuck in traffic. Think of the opportu-nity costs.”

He then touched on the topic of immi-gration, “If you normalize the status of the11 million estimated illegal immigrants inAmerica today that would generate $1.5trillion in cumulative GDP and $5 billionin federal tax revenue.”

In terms of the development of theAdrienne Arsht center, which broke groundwhen he was elected, he emphasized thatan extended effect was Midtown,Wynwood, and the Design District. Heexplained that these all cost a lot of money,but the return was greater.

Diaz came to this country when he was 6years old with his mother on a freedomflight, “fleeing a place where the govern-ment denies its people the freedoms andthe opportunities that all of us share and wesaw this country as so many others still do,as a beacon of hope and a land of bound-less opportunities.” His parents workedthree jobs, but were able to provide theirson with a good and healthy life.

“At every turn in my life, especiallyduring my youth, I benefitted from a part-nership because government invested inme I had been able to give back and Ithink the return that that investment hasgenerated has been a good return for mygovernment.”

Diaz concluded his speech with thequestion “Is America still willing to investin its people and does a six year old childin America today have the same access toopportunities that I did or that all of youI’m sure did?”

Following his speech, Former MayorDiaz answered questions on topics rang-ing from political gridlock and specialinterest to challenges and opportunities inthe Miami Beach community. FormerCity of Miami Mayor Diaz’s speechserved as a reminder of the genuinechange and development that he oversawin the City of Miami, and the broad-reaching effects it has in Miami Beach aswell as across the bay in the GreaterMiami-Dade region.

MMiiaammii ((BBeeaacchh)) TTrraannssffoorrmmeedd –– FFoorrmmeerr MMaayyoorr MMaannnnyy DDiiaazz AAddddrreesssseess tthhee BBuussiinneessss CCoommmmuunniittyy

Former Mayor Manny Diaz and Pillar Board Chairman David Saks–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


Quarterly Pillar Breakfast with Former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Jeff Greene, Sandra Osorio, Michael Goldberg, Marc Hurwitz and Richard Herman

Chamber Chairman Alan Lips, Philip Hockin, Dwight Williams and Aaron Perry

Sheila Lehrman-Duffy, Jeff Greene and Alberto Montovani

Valerie Crawfordand Aletha Player

Former Mayor Manny Diaz

Natalie Castillo and Paul Weimer

Chamber President and CEO Jerry Libbin, former Mayor Manny Diaz and Russel Galbut


Quarterly Pillar Breakfast with Former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Michael Goldberg, Jason Loeb, Chamber Chairman Alan Lips andRussel Galbut

Former Mayor Manny Diaz, Stephanie Ruiz, Tamara Torres and Chamber Chairman Alan Lips

Former Mayor Manny Diaz and Esther Cruz Adam Cedrati, Former Mayor Manny Diaz, Gerald Shwartz, Jerry Libbin

Chamber Chairman Alan Lips and Former Mayor Manny Diaz

Former Mayor Manny Diaz signing his book

Larry Colin, Madeleine Romanello, and guest

Marc Henderson and Jeff Greene


The Model Beach VolleyballTournament (MBVT) will be returning to8th & Ocean Drive in Miami Beach onFebruary 9 & 10, 2013 from 10am-6pmdaily. The overwhelming amount of sup-port from Media, Celebrities, OlympicAthletes, City of Miami Beach, prestigesponsors and strategic partnerships hasled the event back to the sand for anotheryear.

The 4th annual tournament, in associa-tion with the National Volleyball League(NVL), is a public event where all ofthe top modeling agencies go head tohead and form co-ed teams to compete inthis amazing 2-day beach volleyballtournament.

For the 2nd consecutive year, MBVThas partnered with the NVL & the topOlympic Beach Volleyball athletes.

These professionals will be on site at theevent coaching each of the agency teamsas well as participating in live exhibitionmatches.

The event garners thousands of specta-tors throughout the weekend where guestscan enjoy free giveaways from sponsorsincluding Reebok CrossFit Miami Beach,Monster Energy Drink, Car ChargingGroup, Miami Cocktail Company, BiminiBay Resort, Australian Gold, BeachBunny Swimwear, and more.

MBVT has additionally announcedpartnership with American Media, Men’sFitness, Shape Magazine, OK! Magazine,World Red Eye & The Miami BeachChamber of Commerce.

Things will be heating up on the sand,as the official MBVT radio partner will bePower96. The station will be broadcasting

live all day!Last year’s MBVT 2012 event was

recently featured on Bravo’s RealHousewives of Miami as well as the CWTV’s The Catalina garnering millions ofviewers.

VIP guests included James Marsden,Michael Bay, Nina Agdal, ShawneMerriman, Joanna Krupa, Geoff Stults,Josh Hopkins, DeRay Davis & USAOlympic Silver Medalist’s Jennifer Kessy& April Ross.

Agency finalists & winners will receivean all expense weekend getaway to theluxurious Bimini Bay Resort and Marinaon March 1-3, 2013. Here, four teams willcompete in a rematch at the resort’sSakara Beach Club, on one of the mostbeautiful beaches in the world.

This year, MBVT’s benefitting charity

is the IRIE Foundation, which seeks toimprove the lives of South Florida’s youththrough educational and extracurricularopportunities and improve the graduationrates among young students.

Annual participating agencies includeWilhelmina, Next, Caroline Gleason,Ford, Mega, Front, MC2, Elite, Runways& Ocean Models.

Event organizers include Olivia Ormos,Rick Delgado, Michael Malone & AlbertHannemann.

For more event information, visitwww.modelbeachvolleyball.com.

To sponsor or media coverage, [email protected]

To purchase VIP Tickets, visitwww.wantickets.com/modelbeachvolley-ball

MMooddeell BBeeaacchh VVoolllleeyybbaallll::TThhee SSeexxiieesstt EEvveenntt oonn tthhee PPllaanneett!!

Elite female model participants and second place winners pose for a winning shot––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

NVL athletes take a break from coaching for an exhibition match at MBVT 2012––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


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‘Gangster Squad’ is a stylish disappoinmentBY LAUREN COHEN

When you put SeanPenn, Ryan Gosling,Emma Stone and JoshBrolin together in one film,expectations are going torun rampant. But withexpectations so high and astellar cast so wasted,

“Gangster Squad” will most likely be con-sidered a disappointment. With a script asvacuous as its characters, “GangsterSquad” is still entertaining – incrediblyentertaining, at that – but it’s lack of sub-stance or character development keeps itfrom being anything but mindless fun thatzooms by without any real steady direction.

Set in 1949 Los Angeles, the movierevolves around a group of police officersthat assemble with the sole purpose of run-ning dangerous mob kingpin MickeyCohen (Sean Penn) out of town. This is aviolence-packed, sleek film that’s more ofa caricature of the classic gangster filmsthan a revival of them. But thanks to somewell-placed humor and exciting shoot-‘em-up action sequences, “Gangster Squad”manages to keep you engaged from the

beginning until the end, despite what feelslike a wasted opportunity overall.

Like the movie itself, Sean Penn is won-derfully over-the-top as Cohen. None ofthese characters were written with any lay-

ers, but at least Penn seems to be having afun time in the brutish role…even if he isencumbered with ridiculous facial prosthet-ics. Then there’s the rest of the cast, each ofwhom is given so little depth that they come

off as a bunch of stars playing ‘40s dress up.Taking on the role of the token sexpot,Stone’s given nothing to do other than tosport red lips and high slits — and even thenshe still comes off as horribly miscast.

This isn’t the classy throwback to filmnoir that most were expecting; in fact, it’sfar from it. Yet the intentionally overblownnature of the film and the cheesy one-linersinterspersed throughout it didn’t botherme. Right from the beginning you see whatkind of film this is going to be, and if youstart to accept it for the direction it tookrather than the direction it should havetaken, you’ll probably enjoy yourself.Because at the end of the day, “GangsterSquad” is nothing more than stylish, fun,and yes, shallow, January entertainment.

Rating: C+

MOVIE

REVIEW

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in Gangster Squad –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––








BY MADELEINE ROMANELLO

Many buyers perceive that the mainte-nance fees for a condo seem high com-pared to the monthly costs of owning ahouse. This is not always the case if youbreak it down. Typically, the condo mainte-nance for a mid-price point building rangesfrom $ 0.40-0.70/SF to $ 1/SF per squarefoot for a luxury building. Depending onthe condo, this maintenance cost couldinclude reserves for major repairs, lessen-ing the need for special assessments.

Here are the monthly costs of owning amid- price point home:

$300/insurance monthly ( approximately0.75-1.5 % of home value depending onage of home, east or west of US1 and floodzone location)

$75-150/ month in water (will depend oncity and if property is on sewer or septic)

$ 50-150/month trash removal$ 100-200/month gardener$ 30/month basic cable$ 35/month alarm monitoring$ 40/month pest controlTotal $ 755 monthly – so let’s say if the

house is 1800 SF, we are at $0.41/SF.But... you have to figure roof replace-

ment reserves about $1000/year, plus

painting outside $1000/ year, tree trimming$300/year, pruning and fertilizing$500/year, pool service $ 1000/year, andother external maintenance you would nothave in a condo, adds another $0.18 persquare foot monthly.

Maybe there is a small garden and nopool, but sooner or later roofs need to befixed, maintained or replaced; the exteriorneeds to be painted, pressure cleaned, etc;trees need to be trimmed for hurricane sea-son; and plumbing or electric repairs can

be more extensive than in a condo.Now the condo maintenance does not

seem so high anymore when you actuallycompare monthly or yearly costs with thehouse. The condo can also offer security,pool, beach access, gym, tennis, gardens,concierge, management, etc., so you aregetting more services for the money youpay.

The big question is, “Will there bespecial assessments?” It is easy to findout from the association what major

repairs have been made and what thecondo still plans to assess for. Manybuildings in South Florida have beengoing through their 40-year recertifica-tion and have replaced almost all majorsystems in the building, or are in theprocess of doing so.

Many condos are also starting to havereserve funds, collecting from the ownerseach year the exact amount needed torepair or replace major building facilities inthe future. For example, the elevators in 15years; paint in 5 years; roof in 20 years, etc.This is a fair and responsible way to run abuilding, as each condo owner pays intothe fund whether they live there 2 years or10 years.

One of the big factors is control. Buyersfeel that owning a house gives them morecontrol over the expenses and they are notat the mercy of a poorly run condo associ-ation. The alternative is to get involved inthe association which can be hard work,often includes politics and very little grati-tude from other condo owners.

So it is really a lifestyle decision; yourown space versus community living andamenities. When you break it down, themonthly maintenance of a house runs aboutthe same as a condo!

AA cclloosseerr llooookk aatt CCoonnddoo AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ffeeeess vveerrssuuss hhoommee mmaaiinntteennaannccee ccoossttJan. 24 - Feb. 6, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 19


There are approximately two millionAmericans who suffer from AtrialFibrillation (A Fib), a rapid, irregular heartrate that causes reduced blood flow to thebody. Some patients with A Fib experienceheart palpitations, weakness and shortnessof breath. However, this chronic conditioncan be dangerous because it frequently goesunnoticed, putting many patients at risk forblood clotting that can lead to a stroke.

With Florida having the nation’s thirdlargest population of A Fib patients, onearea medical center — Mount Sinai HeartInstitute in Miami Beach—began perfect-ing the Hybrid Maze method of treatmentto help eliminate symptoms that medica-tions and traditional single ablation proce-dures generally cannot.

Dr. Angelo LaPietra, a cardiothoracicsurgeon at Mount Sinai Medical Center, isa leader in this closed-chest cath lab proce-dure, which uses the combined approachof surgical and electrophysiological tech-niques to improve the outlooks for chronicA Fib patients, considered the most chal-lenging of all to treat.

During the Hybrid Maze procedure, Dr.LaPietra makes small incisions in thepatient’s stomach to access the heart andcreates surgical lesions that block A Fib trig-gers and pathways. Then, an electrophysiol-ogist (EP) uses cardiac mapping technologyto find and plug any small gaps in the surgi-cal lesions. The combined approach typical-

ly is viewed as safer and provides improvedoutcomes. And, since it is a procedure donein a cath lab and not an operating room,patients generally experience minimal dis-comfort and quick recovery time.

“Single ablation procedures are onlyeffective about 50-60 percent of the time,and medications often leave patients ‘feel-ing sick’ most of the time,” Dr. La Pietrasaid. “Right now, Hybrid Maze is the onlyavailable treatment that truly improvestheir lifestyle.”

Dr. LaPietra began performing the pro-cedure in 2010, and initial studies haveshown Hybrid Maze is effective in 85-90percent of patients who remained in nor-mal sinus rhythm during the first six toeight months following their procedure.Dr. LaPietra now also trains other doctorsfrom around the country on how to per-form Hybrid Maze.

Mount Sinai’s Hybrid Maze procedurehas been well received by patients. Besideseliminating discomfort and daily medica-tion regimens, it has also been found to bea positive alternative, particularly thosewith large atria that leads to persistent orchronic A Fib who are not candidates fortraditional single ablation.

For information on The Mount SinaiHeart Institute and/or the Hybrid MazeProcedure, visit www.miami-cardiology.comor call 305-674-CARE (2273).

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Taige Adderly, 26 year old former college basketball player, traveled from the Bahamas to have his A

Fib treated by Dr. Angelo LaPietra (right) with the Hybrid Maze procedure.

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Small business owners in Miami-Dade’sDistrict 4 are invited to apply forCommissioner Sally Heyman’s AnnualMom and Pop Small Business GrantProgram. Applicants may be eligible toreceive up to $5,000,depending on the numberof applicants, which canbe used for purchasingequipment, supplies,inventory, commercialliability insurance, securi-ty systems, advertisingand marketing and mak-ing minor renovations.Applications will beaccepted January 14through February 8,2013.

Business owners inter-ested in applying for the2013 District 4 Mom andPop Small BusinessGrant Program must meetthe following criteria:existed for at least twoyears; employs no morethan seven employees; currently not indefault or non-compliance with anyCounty loan or grant program; is not affili-ated with a national chain; does not ownmore than two businesses; and does notengage in illegal activity at the stated busi-ness location.

Applications must be received no laterthan 12 noon on February 8, 2013 or theywill not be accepted. Completed originalapplications can be mailed or hand deliv-ered to: Commissioner Sally A. Heyman,District 4 Office, 1100 NE 163rd Street,#303, North Miami Beach, FL 33162.

Only one application per business willbe accepted. Non-profit agencies are noteligible for funding. Home-based business-es are welcome to apply. Businesses thatreceived funding in the past can apply, but

priority will be given tothose businesses thathave never receivedfunding. Applicationscan be typed or printed.Illegible, incomplete, orfaxed applications willbe disqualified.

Guidelines for theMom and Pop SmallBusiness Grant Programrequire that eachapproved recipientattend a mandatory busi-ness training workshopto be scheduled at a laterdate. Aside from finan-cial support, the Momand Pop Grant Programprovides: technicalassistance to create bet-ter working and busi-

ness environments, promote economicdevelopment opportunities, educate own-ers about various county-funded programsand projects, forms and fosters betterworking relationships among small busi-ness owners, retain and create more jobs,offer necessary training that small busi-ness owners may need to become moreefficient and competitive.

To see if your business is located withinDistrict 4 or for more information, call(305) 787-5999. Applications are availableat www.miamidade.gov/district04.

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Aside from financial support,the Mom and Pop

Grant Programprovides technical

assistance to create betterworking and

business environments...


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Banking just got simpler for the residentsof Miami, with the opening of a newCitibank smart branch located at 830 5thStreet in Miami Beach. The new branch isopen Monday through Friday, 9:00 am -6:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am - 2:00pm. The drive-thru will open each day at8:30 a.m.

“We are thrilled to bring our globallyrecognized smart banking capabilities toSouth Beach,” said Diane Bentivegna,Citibank’s Miami Market President. “Fromenhanced image envelope-free ATMs, digi-tal walls, and a committed multi-lingualstaff — our goal is to enhance the bankingexperience for our customers and simplifytheir financial lives.”

The building is part of Miami’s SouthBeach historic district and was constructedin 1923. The LEED-certified branch willserve retail, credit cards, small business,commercial banking, mortgage and person-al wealth management customers withaccount opening and teller services, alongwith 24-hour ATMs. The branch also offersa drive-thru teller, money orders and for-eign exchange services. Customers canalso bank through Citibank for iPad,Citibank® (Kindle Fire Edition), CitiMobile and Citibank online.

The branch celebrated its opening with aribbon cutting ceremony on January 17,2013, with customer, employees and localcommunity leaders.

The branch opening reinforces Citi’slong commitment to the greater Miamicommunity. The United Way of Miami-Dade recently announced that it was allo-cating a $100,000 Citi Foundation grant tothree local organizations that are imple-menting financial capability programs tosupport low and moderate-income women,

disabled veterans, and aspiring first-timehomebuyers. Citi and the Citi Foundationare also active supporters of The EducationFund, including the creation of the CitiPostsecondary Success Program, and Citihas also been a leading supporter of historicpreservation and redevelopment of severalArt Deco buildings in Miami Beach.During last year’s global celebration ofCiti’s 200th anniversary, Miami MayorTomas Regalado joined local Citi volun-teers as they erected a new kindergartenplayground and revitalized the grounds atthe historic Shenandoah Middle School.

“At Citi, we are committed to our localcommunities by teaming with residents tosupport vital organizations, like the MiamiChamber of Commerce,” said Bentivegna.

“Our team is happy to open our doors towelcome and serve customers and the com-munity.”

As part of Citi’s commitment to the com-munity, the branch will be hosting the fol-lowing events:

• January 30 – Customer Appreciation Day

• February 14 –Valentine’s Day Celebration

• February 28 –Black History Month Celebration

• March 16 –• St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

(event actually falls on a Sunday –March 17)

“We believe in the vibrant people, busi-nesses and community of Miami and we’reexcited to play a role in its growth andprosperity,” said Bentivegna.

For information, visit www.citibank.com

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New Citibank Smart Branch ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY ISADORE HAVENICK

I love MiamiBeach.

We have every-thing. I mean thewaves and theweather are unparal-leled. We have aplethora of shop-ping, from boutiquesto big names to

treasures undiscovered at the LincolnRoad kiosks.

Who has more or better restaurants?We have Red and Joe’s and Prime

112.We have Shake Shack and Serendipity.Find me something to eat we don’t

have - I dare you! You want a cornedbeef sandwich at 2AM - we got it.

We have movie theaters and organ-ic markets.

We have clubs and lounges and ultralounges and uber ultra lounges. We havethe world’s best known DJ’s appearingat the world’s hottest clubs every weekof the year.

We have cabs and bikes and six-pas-senger golf carts that will take you any-where you want to go on the beach forfree.

We have performers: street perform-ers, club performers and beach perform-ers. Simply put, we have it all. You canbet on it.

Well actually, no you can’t. The onething we don’t have is gambling.

The $outh Florida Gaming ReportThe $outh Florida Gaming ReportLLiiffee’’ss aa bbeeaacchh

See us online at:www.communitynewspapers.com






From the days of Wolfie’s Diner in the 1980sto today’s well known restaurants like Yardbird,The Dutch, Khong River House, Serafina, theBazaar and Bianca, Miami Beach has fullyevolved into a bona fide foodie paradise, offer-ing sophisticated “Epicurean Experiences” forthose in search of talented chefs, great culinaryexperiences and an international ambience.

The popular Food Network South Beach Wine& Food Festival as well as great restaurants,celebrity chefs and global, well-traveled foodieswith high standards have transformed MiamiBeach into a top-tier epicurean destination.

“Miami Beach, with its diverse populationand vibrant lifestyle is one of the most exoticdestinations for visitors from around theglobe – a short trip from many cities in Northand South America,” says Jeff Lehman,Chair, Miami Beach Visitor and ConventionAuthority. “Add that to our expansive culi-nary offerings, food festivals and A-list chefs,and you’ll see why Miami Beach has becomea destination for any serious epicurean.”

Local foodies are taking notice of MiamiBeach’s maturing food scene too. “I’m reallyimpressed by the range of restaurant and culi-nary offerings available in Miami Beach.From a beach town with very few food optionsto today’s city with a growing, rich and variedfood culture and fun, stylish and chic eateries,Miami Beach has really become one of thebest global cities to eat in,” says avid foodieand amateur chef Irene Dakota. “I thinkMiami Beach is becoming more and more likeLondon, Paris, Rome, New York and Chicagowith their incredible gastronomic choices.”

Now in its 12th year, the Food Network’sSouth Beach Wine & Food Festival has helped

to shape Miami Beach’s burgeoning culinaryscene. Celebrity Chefs and notable industrynames are drawn to Miami Beach’s eclecticpopulation, laid back lifestyle and a maturetourism infrastructure, attracting visitors fromaround the globe. The Festival is a national,star-studded, four-day destination event show-casing the talents of the world’s most renownedchefs and culinary personalities. The festivaltakes place at various locations throughoutMiami Beach, February 21-24, 2013.

Following are some of the internationalrestaurants (with at least one other locationin a major city) that have recently put downroots in Miami Beach.

The Dutch, brainchild of James BeardAward winner Andrew Carmellini, opened anoutpost of the popular New York City restau-rant in Miami Beach’s W Hotel in Novemberof 2011. In December of 2012, popular NewYork City pizzeria Serafina opened at theDream South Beach Hotel.

Milos Greek Taverna with locations inMontreal, Athens, New York and Las Vegasmost recently opened an outpost in MiamiBeach’s Sofi neighborhood; and Hakkasan,with eateries in London and New York has hada successful reign at the Fontainebleau Hotel.In just the last few weeks, the EMM Group haslaunched outposts of CATCH and SL insidethe new James Royal Palm Hotel in SouthBeach. CATCH Miami is the first outpost ofEMM’s New York City flagship, CATCH,helmed by Executive Chef Hung Huynh.

Spanish franchise, 100 Montaditos boastsa network of more than 250 restaurantsacross the globe, now including a location inMiami Beach.

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If it’s fresh, it’s Laurenzo’sAmerica’s Largest Italian Center. Serving our valued customers over 62 years since 1951 in North Miami Beach

Ben Laurenzo and family started their company in 1951 deliv-ering authentic Italian and specialty products in a stationwagon from the Palm Beaches down to the Keys. The compa-ny grew because of it’s reputation for handling high quality,fresh products at fair prices, while always providing excellentcustomer service. We are still working by this credo. We thankyou, our loyal customers, old and new, for always being our“best” word-of-mouth advertising!

Proudly serving the community 62 years

www.laurenzosmarket.comItalian Family Style Catering is Our Speciality!

Call or E-mailHome • Office • Parties

E-mail: [email protected]

Laurenzo’s is a Hommade Fresh Pasta ShopOffering over 75 assorted shapes and flavors of fresh pasta. For a quickhealthy dinner after work or enough for a large party or wholesome client.Cheese, veal, lobster, chicken, vegetable ravioli, our specialty. Winner of BestPasta in Miami award!

Laurenzo’s is an Award Winning Wine ShopVoted Top 12 Wine Merchants in the U.S. Featuring over 3,000 labels fromaround the world and a knowledgeable staff to take care of your champagne,wine and specialty beer needs.Delivery service – Visa/MC/AMX

Laurenzo’s is a Custom Butcher ShopOur meat department features a wonderful selection of fresh cuts of veal, pork,lamb and beef. Fresh chicken and turkey are our specialty, along with home-made Italian sausage and semi-preparted, ready-to-cook meats that havebeen expertly marinated, stuffed or lightly breaded for your enjoyment.

Laurenzo’s is an Old-Fashioned Deli & CatererFeaturing our own fresh, homemade salads, antipasto items and some cookeddeli meats. We also feature Boars Head products and many low fat, lowsodium, low cholesterol cold cuts and cheese. We make our own handmadefresh mozzarella. Ask our our catering list for your next home or office party.

Laurenzo’s is a Fresh Seafood ShopSouth Florida’s finest and freshest seafood, six days a week. Some fin fish andshell fish on Sunday. We invite you to come in and see our super fresh highquality.

Laurenzo’s is an In-Store Sidewalk CaféSince 1969, when we put together a couple of tables and chairs for the men tohave espresso and talk while the ladies shopped, our café has grown intoserving delicious soups, salads, pasta, pizza, specials of the day, espresso,cappuccino, Gelato and homemade Italian ice. A fun spot in the middle of ourstore!

Laurenzo’s is a Scratch BakeryWe bake fresh Italian breads and rolls daily. See our display of old-fashionedpastries, cookies, cakes and pies. Featuring Baresi Focaccia and stuffedpepperoni and mozzarella bread. Wedding cakes have also been a long timespecialty.

Prime VealFor Cutlets/Picata/MedallionsPrime Beef Tenderloin WholeFor Chateau-Briand or Filet Mignon

Prime Rack of Vealfor Chops or Roasts

Prime Rib Small or Large Endfor Steaks or Roasts

Prime Rack or Loin of Lambfor Frenched Chops or Roasts

Prime Beefloin for Steaks T-Bone, N.Y. Strip or Boneless

Sirloin

Call our Meat Department for More Information

Call to order in advance

16385 W. Dixie Hwy.North Miami Beach

305.945.6381

16445 W. Dixie Hwy.Miami, FL 33160

305.944.5052

Laurenzo’s is a Farmer’s MarketAcross the parking lot is our 6,000 square foot old-fashioned produce

market with the world’s freshest, high quality fruits and vegetables. Wefeature fresh herbs and spices along with organic produce and exotic local

and imported specialties. Cold fresh juices and drinks too!

FARMER’S MARKETOpen 7 days a week



Miami Beach News 1.24.2013

Documents

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