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Letter to the Editor – Coral Gables

We, a concerned group of Coral Gables residents, write to express our profound discontent and outrage at the recent efforts by a few individuals and special interests within and outside our community to recall Mayor Vince Lago. Since his election over three years ago, Mayor Lago has epitomized integrity, respect, and transparency in his leadership.

The efforts to recall Mayor Lago are not only misguided but also deeply harmful to the cohesive fabric of our community. These actions appear to be driven by personal differences rather than any substantive critique of his leadership or policies. It is crucial to recognize that such divisive endeavors serve no constructive purpose; they only threaten to tarnish Coral Gables’ reputation across Miami-Dade County and the broader state of Florida.

Mayor Lago’s leadership has been marked by a sincere and effective approach to governance, and he has always demonstrated a willingness to listen and engage with residents not only during commission meetings but also through weekly open office hours.

It is disheartening to see a small group attempt to undermine the stability and progress of our city for reasons that seem to stem from personal grievances rather than the common good. We believe that the time and resources spent on this recall effort would be far better utilized in collaborative efforts to address the actual challenges facing Coral Gables.

We stand in solidarity with Mayor Vince Lago and urge our fellow residents to look beyond the noise and distraction of this recall effort. Let us instead focus on constructive dialogue and collective action to continue improving our beloved city. Our community deserves no less.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned Residents of Coral Gables

Mario Aguilar

Ine Santeiro Aguilar

Susana Dargelo Alvarez

Gerardo Alvarez

Richard Amundsen

Margarita M. Angulo

Tony Argiz

Willy A. Bermello

Daisy Bermello

Martha M. Centurion

Jose J. Centurion M.D.

Alfonso A. Cueto

Blanchie Cueto

Margarita Delgado

Gloria Erdmann

Ana V. Faget

Raul F. Faget

Lee Allen Feinberg, 731 Malaga Ave

Alicia Fernandez

Rita Fernandez

Dr. Aurelio Fernandez

Millie Garcia Navarro

Alberto Gongora

Frank Gonzalez

Jorge L. Hernandez

Alina P. Hernandez

Samuel Lawson, 450 Camilo Ave

Sasha Lawson, 450 Camilo Ave

Sergio Leymarie

Dinorah Maluf, 401 Camilo Ave

Jose Martinez Cañas

Ana Veiga Milton

Beatriz Morales

Niberto L. Moreno

Gilda P. Moreno

Jaime Pardo

Zully Pardo

Jim Parke, 426 Sarto Ave

Josie Parke, 426 Sarto Ave

Juanita Pesant

Roberto Pesant

Gudelia Prieto

Julio Ramirez

Alvaro Silva

Alex Bucelo

Elena Torres, 415 Aledo Ave

Fernando Valdes, 411 Camilo Ave

Raul Valdes-Fauli

Adam J. Yormack, Esq.

EdFed’s Money Tips: Why Your Credit Matters

We hear a lot about credit these days.  Credit scores, credit reports, credit reporting agencies, credit utilization ratios.  But why does credit matter?  Your credit score can have an impact on your ability to achieve your most important goals. From buying a home or vehicle to renting an apartment, purchasing insurance, or even applying for a job, your credit score will be one of the most important factors in determining whether you are in the driver’s seat or back seat on the road to your financial future. 

Data from FICO®, a data analytics company focused on credit scoring services, reports that the lower your credit score, the more you will pay for credit.  For example, as of March 19, 2024, the national average mortgage interest rate for a 620-639 credit score, considered the lowest qualifying score for a mortgage, was 8.267%; while the average for a 760-850 credit score, considered the highest qualifying score for a mortgage, was 6.678%.  What is the bottom line to these numbers? Individuals with lower credit scores pay more and often have to settle for less.

According to Experian, one of three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies, in 2023 the average FICO® Score in the United States was 715, while the average Florida score fell slightly lower at 708. While having knowledge of your score is important, gaining an understanding of how your score is calculated is critical to maintaining good credit. 

The internet offers countless resources to assist you regarding all topics related to credit, but misinformation on credit can often lead consumers astray. One trusted resource to help you gain access to your credit report is the website www.annualcreditreport.com, which is jointly operated by the three major nationwide credit reporting companies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The site is authorized by federal law and provides consumers access to a free copy of their credit report every 12 months, from each of the three credit reporting companies.

For additional guidance on navigating your credit report and to learn how credit scores are calculated, join EdFed and Experian for an educational and informative webinar on Saturday, April 27th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration for this free webinar is available at www.edfed.org/webinar

About EdFed

Established in 1935 by school employees in Miami, EdFed is a not-for-profit financial institution that serves over 100,000 members with a full range of lending and deposit solutions. With over $1.6 billion in assets, EdFed is the largest credit union headquartered in Miami-Dade County and operates seven branch locations across the area. 

Take Me Out To Marlins Opening Day – March 28!

Sep 17, 2023; Miami , Florida, USA; Jazz Chisholm Jr. #2 of the Miami Marlins, Marlins vs Braves Game 3 at loanDepot park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Miami Marlins

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to loanDepot park for Opening Day! In their hunt of a second consecutive Postseason appearance, the Miami Marlins begin the 2024 season on Thursday, March 28.

Opening Day is always a special event, from the pre-game ceremonies and player introductions to the additional festivities for fans. This year, the Marlins have organized a pre-game parade from Domino Park on Calle Ocho to loanDepot park at 1 p.m.

The fun continues at the ballpark with two giveaways for fans and pre and post-game music on the West Plaza, including a live performance by Alex Sensation, one of the top radio personalities in the U.S., after the game.

Skip what you have planned and head over to loanDepot park for an unforgettable experience on Opening Day.

EMBRACE THE MAGIC OF FAMILY IN AN ALL-NEW ADVENTURE THAT WILL SPARK YOUR IMAGINATION IN DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS FROZEN & ENCANTO

For the first time, Disney On Ice invites families to step inside the magical adventures of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, the #1 Animated feature of all time, and Disney Animation’s Encanto, the 2022 Academy Award®, BAFTA®, and Golden Globe® Award winner for Best Animated Feature, as they come to life like never before.  This adventure on ice transports fans into two of the most popular Disney films as audiences can sing-along to their favorite songs while embracing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics and more when Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto skates into South Florida this Spring playing from April 4–7 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise followed by April 24-28, 2024 at Watsco Center in Miami.

  • Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting today to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the public next Tuesday November 14th.  Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code.

Audiences will see Anna, Elsa, Mirabel, and the Madrigal family live, as well as fan favorites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy, and many more.  Narrating the captivating story of Frozen is Olaf, the lovable snowman who likes warm hugs and all things summer.  Astounding ice-skating transports families to Arendelle to be a part of Anna’s adventure to find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter. Kristoff and Sven take fans along as they encounter wintry conditions in a race to bring back summer. 

After a very Frozen adventure, audiences will journey to a vibrant town in the mountains of Colombia where they will meet the Madrigals, an extraordinary family who live in a magical casita in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto.   Mirabel tells the tale of her amazing family and her journey to save the casita, her enchanted family home, alongside her sisters: Isabela, whose perfection radiates with her ability to make plants grow and flowers bloom with every step, and Luisa, with the gift of super strength that she uses to help her village move buildings and reroute rivers.  For the first time live, fans can witness Tia Pepa, who can control the weather with her emotions; her husband Felix; their daughter Dolores, with her gift to hear; and Bruno, the mysterious and misunderstood Madrigal family member whose visions foretold the future. 

In the end, audiences will learn that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special.  YOU are the magic!

S U N R I S E 

WHEN:   Thursday, April 4 7:00 PM

Friday, April 5 7:00 PM                                         

Saturday, April 6 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, April 7 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM    

WHERE:         Amerant Bank Arena One Panther Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323

TICKETS:       It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic.  With a variety of ticket options, choose 

what fits best for an enchanted experience. 

Tickets now available for purchase online at SeatGeek.com or visit the venue Box Office.

*Ticket prices subject to change – additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

M I A M I 

WHEN:              Wednesday, April 24 7:00 PM

Thursday, April 25 7:00 PM                                         

Friday, April 26 7:00 PM                                         

Saturday, April 27 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, April 28 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM            

WHERE:            Watsco Center 1245 Dauer Drive, Coral Gables, FL  33146

TICKETS:           Family friendly ticket pricing available!

Tickets now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the venue Box Office.

*Ticket prices subject to change – additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

FIU study identifies areas in Mexico City Metro affected by land subsidence

Aerial view metropolitan area, Mexico City.
Aerial view metropolitan area, Mexico City.

A new assessment study identifies areas in Mexico City’s metro system affected by land subsidence, providing a roadmap for mitigating damage, prioritizing repairs, and informing future designs for the metro’s infrastructure.

Using satellite radar data and structural engineering analyses, the research team identified zones where the rate of subsidence changes rapidly.

Subsidence is a naturally occurring phenomenon, but often amplified by human activity such as groundwater extraction. Mexico City is built within a mountain basin over a variable thickness layer of soft lake sediments. Excessive groundwater extraction in the city has led to rapid subsidence with rates reaching nearly 20 inches per year. Sharp changes in subsidence rates from low to fast subsiding areas cause progressive damage to the city’s core infrastructure, including the Mexico City Metro, which is the second largest metro system in North America after the New York City Subway.

“By comparing two or more radar observations from roughly the same location in space, we can detect small changes of the Earth’s surface with centimeter-level accuracy,” said Shimon Wdowinski, FIU geophysics professor and study co-author. “Over time, changes can be observed with millimeter-per-year accuracy.”

In 2021, an overpass located near the Olivos station collapsed onto the road as a train was traveling over it, resulting in more than 20 deaths. This occurred along a metro line that had been in operation less than 10 years. It was following this tragic accident that system authorities became aware subsidence-related structural damage existed. This discovery led to major repairs to two of the twelve metro lines. Still, the need for quantifying the magnitude and extent of the subsidence’s effects on the metro system’s widespread infrastructure remained. This study was designed to help determine those effects and provide data that could help prevent similar events.

Using a remote sensing approach, the study’s researchers were able to evaluate land subsidence throughout the metro’s different engineering designs and determine most of the damage was observed along street-level and elevated segments. The observed damage includes cracks, faults, railway deformation and topographic slope changes which can lead to recurrent flooding, reduced train speed, service interruptions and accidents like the collapse of 2021.

“Our analysis provides key information that can be incorporated in the root cause analysis of the Olivos accident as well as in the evaluation of other vulnerable line segments. It can provide insights into the future development of the Metro lines,” said lead author Darío Solano-Rojas, former FIU postdoctoral researcher and current geophysics professor at La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

The research team recommends similar geohazard evaluations be conducted for other infrastructure in Mexico City and other highly subsiding areas throughout the world. The data could inform proactive measures to assess and mitigate the risks posed by widespread land subsidence.

The study was recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.

All-female arborist crew harness LiDAR tech to ensure reliable service

Carolina Olivera, Erin Schreck and Olivia Johnson are FPL’s first all-female arborist crew. Together, they ensure Florida’s vegetation stays away from power lines using cutting-edge technology.

In sunny Florida, amid the tall palm trees and lush greenery that defines the  tropical paradise, an all-female arborist team is making waves in a field that does not attract  many women. 

Carolina Olivera, Erin Schreck and Olivia Johnson are the first group of female arborists at Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). They’re part of a team beginning to use the most  advanced state-of-the-art tech: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. 

“We’re currently at the forefront of the most innovative tech,” Schreck said. “It’s amazing to work with this technology in a company that’s leading the industry. No other utility is performing  multiple comprehensive LiDAR collections like we are.” 

One of the leading causes of power outages is trees and other vegetation hitting power lines. This new system uses LiDAR, a laser-scanning technology that precisely maps the surrounding  environment in 3D, alongside satellite imagery and photogrammetry, which creates 3D models  from overlapping images. 

This comprehensive understanding of how plants and trees are positioned along the company’s  power lines helps FPL proactively maintain the energy grid and vegetation growing near it. The  “smart trimming” technology allows the company to trim more effectively and efficiently year round and restore power faster following a storm. 

“FPL is always looking for tools and technology to help keep power lines clear so we can safely  deliver reliable service to our customers, in good weather and bad,” said Olivera. “LiDAR  provides invaluable insights, especially in areas that are flooded or impassable, giving our crews  the information they need to work safely and quickly.”

FPL delivered the most reliable service in its history in 2023, according to a recent report the  company filed with the Florida Public Service Commission. The company credited this feat to sustained investments and continuous efforts to improve the energy grid – through stronger  infrastructure, smart grid technology and innovative technology.  

This included LiDAR, which helped FPL’s vegetation management team be more surgical in the  way work is identified and executed.  

Historically, FPL arborists relied on paper maps, foot patrols and field notes for the approximate  50,000 miles of overhead power lines in its service territory, which span 43 counties and two  time zones.  

Now, smart trimming processes allow work to be scoped, scheduled and issued to a tree crew  in exact areas – all from a remote location.  

During hurricane season, the all-female arborist team leverages LiDAR’s capabilities to assess  damage swiftly and accurately. With before and after comparative views, the team visualizes the  severity of change caused by storms, enabling informed decision-making in power restoration  efforts.  

“Our culture prioritizes innovation and continuous improvement to better serve our customers,”  Johnson said. “LiDAR technology is not just about managing vegetation, it’s about ensuring that  our customers receive reliable power, regardless of the weather conditions.”

The Deering Estate Foundation is excited to announce the highly-anticipated 18th annual Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay

Calling all seafood lovers! Join us on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the Deering Estate, for the award-winning Deering Seafood Festival. Guests can enjoy everything from cooking demonstrations by top Miami chefs and delicious food from South Florida restaurants to live music, a Bahamian Junkanoo parade, boat rides, a beer lounge, a dedicated kid’s area and more.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to once again welcome our neighbors and friends to the 18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival, which is undeniably one of our most anticipated events of the year,” says Nina Zanella, Executive Director of The Deering Estate Foundation. “We have so much to be excited about this year’s festival weekend, starting with a special Chef’s Table on the Bay – Night in the Tropics starring Chef Eileen Andrade of Finka Table and Tap, Barbakoa by Finka, and Amelia’s 1931, and we can’t wait to share it with the community, Board members and generous sponsors and vendors who never fail to make our events so memorable.”    
 
Chef’s Table on the Bay – Night in the Tropics

To kick-off the weekend, Deering Estate will host Chef’s Table on the Bay – Night in the Tropics on Friday, April 12, 2024, the fifth iteration of its wildly successful Chef’s Table on the Bay – Havana Nights that debuted in October 2021. 

This outdoor dining experience will start with a cocktail hour on the lawn presented by Golden Rule SeafoodBreakThru BeverageLa Tropical Brewery, and Sysco South Florida, and move on to cooking demonstrations and a multiple-course dinner by star chef Eileen Andrade

Before establishing herself as one of Miami’s most lauded young chefs/restaurateurs, Chef Eileen Andrade spent much of her childhood in the kitchen working with family at their legendary Islas Canarias, one of Miami’s most iconic and culturally relevant Cuban restaurants.  

From an early age, Andrade displayed a keen interest in creative endeavors, especially those with a gastronomic bent. For years she worked in the family restaurant, learning the ropes and absorbing the sights, smells, stresses, and sensations of restaurant life. Seeking an opportunity to strike out on her own–with her family’s blessing, Andrade (with her brother Jonathan) launched the CUBAN CUBE food truck. Described by the chef as both “exhausting and thrilling,” as well as a “self-taught cooking school on wheels,” the truck quickly gained popularity on the streets as well as at event appearances and food truck rallies.

It would be a random trip to South Korea in 2013 that would change the trajectory of her life. “I had lived in a fantastic and loving ‘Miami bubble’ my whole life,” comments Andrade, who was born and raised in the 305 and still calls Miami home. “The trip to South Korea was an amazing and rather unplanned adventure that blew open the doors for me and changed how I cooked and thought about food forever.” 

This special evening is sponsored by Amerant BankSmile Institute MiamiShutts & BowenDrew Kern Team, and Tonkinson Financial. Event details and tickets online.     

18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival

Here is what guests can look forward to at the 18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival:

Food & Drink Vendors

At the Deering Seafood Festival, guests will be able to buy food and drinks from some of South Florida’s best restaurants and suppliers. Participating seafood restaurants include Golden Rule Seafood, Sports Grill, Catering by Les, Chef Winston Catering, Antigua Barbuda, Popos Seafood, Conch Mania, Mr. Cobbs BBQ, Rodbenders Raw Bar and Grill, Paella Party, Catering by Les, Conch Mania and Pub Grill. Other food vendors guests can get excited about are Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream and Sugar BoutiqueEagle Brands will be onsite selling Stella Artois, Kona Big Wave, and Michelob Ultra. And, don’t forget the Frozen Drink Booth courtesy of Bombarda Rum.  

Chef Demo Tent

Sponsored by the Deering Estate Foundation, the Chef Demo Tent is one of the highlights of the Deering Seafood Festival. It is where six fabulous South Florida chefs present 45-minute cooking demonstrations of their favorite seafood dishes, many of which are from their restaurant menus. Five demos will be led by chefs from popular Miami restaurants, and the final demo will be completed by the student winner of our annual Deering Seafood Festival Culinary Student Competition, which takes place at Florida International University (FIU) College of Culinary Arts on March 14, 2024.

This year, the Chef Demo Tent will feature, among others, Chef Nivan Patel from Orno, Chef Fernando Salazar from Platea, Chef Jorge Mas, from Kuba Cabana, and the winner of the FIU Cooking Competition.
Throughout the day, a team of FIU culinary students will serve as sous chefs to those leading the Chef Demonstration, helping them to prepare their dish and clean up the cooking area.

All cooking demonstrations are free with admission. Audiences are limited to 100 guests per demo, and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees will enjoy samples of the food prepared by the chef, get a copy of the recipe, and have an opportunity to ask questions. 

Entertainment & Activities

While Florida’s freshest fish and seafood are always the main event, nonstop entertainment will keep the family dancing all day long. The festival will kick off with a Bahamian Junkanoo band and Virgin Island stilt walkers parading through Deering Estate, followed by performances by Caribbean Music Farm and Brothers of Others.

There will be a craft beer area and, for the first time ever, a special “Masters” golf area in a shaded area with tables and chairs so that guests can watch the last day of the Masters Tournament or test their skill on a putting green provided by Monster Grass. There will also be Irish Whiskey tasting provided by Cairlinn Bay.  

Guests who want to get out on the water can take guided Pelican Skipper pontoon boat rides (for an additional fee) from Deering Estate to Chicken Key. Back on land, arts aficionados can wander down Artists Lane and find handmade paintings, photography, crafts, and jewelry by local artisans.

Just for Kids

Presented by Kiddos Magazine, The Deering Seafood Festival will have a special “Spring Fun Kid’s Zone” with arts and crafts, a DJ, interesting exhibits, games, kid-friendly food, raffles, a magic show, a toddler play area, and lots of other fun activities for the kids! 

Also at the festival, the Deering Discovery Cove will return with fun, educational programming and activities from Deering Estate’s environmental classes and camps! These classes attract more than 17,000 children throughout the year both virtually and in person. 

Tickets

Festival attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online.  Tickets for adults are priced at $25 in advance and $30 at the gate, and tickets for children ages 4-14 are priced at $7 in advance and $10 at the gate.  While Deering Estate Foundation members are entitled to free festival admission, members must go online to obtain a ticket for entry. Ticket prices include park entrance and activities, but exclude food, drink, boat rides and vendor purchases.  

Transportation & Parking

In addition to street and area parking, a free “Park and Ride” will be available to all festival guests at Westminster Christian School and Palmetto Bay Village Center. Shuttle buses will go to and from the venue every 15 minutes. For those wishing to ride their bikes to the festival, a courtesy bike valet will be available from Heritage House

Sponsors

As a nonprofit organization, Deering Estate could not host its year-long calendar of exciting community events without the help of its generous supporters. The 18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival was made possible by over 35 sponsors, including Shaka Kai, Air on Demand, Golden Rule Seafood, Sports Grill, CHI of South Florida, European Collision, University of Miami, Eric’s Outboard, McLuskey, McDonald & Hughes, NR Hair Salon, Palmer Trinity School, eTIX, Keyes & Associates/The Devaldivielso Team,  Florida Power and Light, South Florida PBA, SunState Bank, Grove Bank and Trust, Smile Institute Miami, Prestige Windows & Doors, Kaufman & Rossin, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Eagle Brands as well as media and in-kind sponsors like Kiddos Magazine, Community Newspapers, Diario Las Américas, Go Latino, 6 in the Mix, Florida International University, Miami International Airport, Brand Poets, and more. The festival also has the unwavering support of the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, and the Board of County Commissioners.

The 18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Deering Estate located at 16701 S.W. 72 Ave., in Palmetto Bay. All proceeds will benefit the Deering Estate Foundation and are used to provide funding, advocacy and support for Deering Estate and its initiatives. For more information about the event, please visit www.deeringseafoodfestival.org.

Deering Estate is open daily for guests of all ages to enjoy its open space, wildlife viewing, bay vistas and self-guided access of the museums. For more information, please visit the website

About the Deering Estate Foundation
For those who treasure the Deering Estate, who advocate for its preservation and wish to invest in its future, The Deering Estate Foundation provides opportunities for individuals and corporations alike to partake in membership, signature events, and one-of-a-kind experiences, all in service of providing vital funding and support to the Deering Estate. Through these efforts, the foundation fulfills its mission to uphold the legacy of Charles Deering’s cherished 1920s-era property, to provide funding for the cultural, educational and recreational experiences it offers, as well as its significant scientific and archaeological endeavors to conserve its diverse flora, fauna and the eight native ecosystems that thrive on its 450 acres, and to ensure its longevity as a prized American heritage site. Established in 1989, The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. is a community-based charitable 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation and the philanthropic partner of the Deering Estate.

About the Deering Estate
Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Miami, is a 21st Century house museum, cultural and ecological field station, and a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the State of Florida and managed by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Deering Estate is designated as one of seven Miami-Dade County “Heritage Parks” which have a vital role in our community’s history, environment and in providing recreational and cultural experiences.

Miami Dolphins Set to Host 25th Annual FINS Weekend Benefiting Baptist Health Foundation

The Miami Dolphins are excited to announce the 25th annual FINS Weekend on May 31-June 1, 2024, bringing together Dolphins players, coaches, alumni, cheerleaders and fans, with proceeds donated to Baptist Health Foundation in support of Baptist Health. The two-day celebration will feature a fishing tournament and exclusive parties alongside the Miami Dolphins, all in support of the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute Youth Athletic Outreach Program.

“We are excited to kick off the summer with the 25th edition of FINS Weekend, as we look to celebrate both our community of Dolphins fans and the incredible work Baptist Health Foundation is doing in the South Florida community,” said Miami Dolphins Vice President of Community Affairs Kim Miller. “This event has been a longstanding feature for our organization, and we can’t wait to come together once again with our coaches, players, partners and fans in celebration and support of this important endeavor. The Dolphins have always been and remain committed to supporting youth sports in South Florida, and we are honored to partner with the Baptist Health Foundation in making a meaningful impact in player health and safety.”

FINS Weekend will kick-off with an invite-only Captain’s Reception on Friday, May 31 and continue into Saturday, June 1, with a fishing tournament at the Regatta Harbour Marina. The weekend will culminate with the exclusive FINS Weekend Night Party at the Regatta Grove on Saturday evening. Miami Dolphins players and coaches will join participants throughout the festivities featuring music, live auctions, raffles and more.

The proceeds from FINS Weekend will support the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute Youth Athletic Outreach Program. Through this program, the Dolphins sponsor athletic trainers for youth and high school football games throughout South Florida. In addition, the program provides voluntary EKG screenings to all high school athletes in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and continuing education in sports medicine for high school athletic trainers, coaches and athletes.

“We are very fortunate and grateful for the Miami Dolphins’ support of this valuable program,” said Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation. “Through the FINS Weekend fundraiser, the organization and its fans are making an enormous impact on the well-being of student athletes in South Florida.”

To purchase your ticket, register your boat and join in celebration with Miami Dolphins players, coaches, alumni, cheerleaders and more at this year’s FINS Weekend, visit finsweekend.com.

2024 Nissan Versa is Subcompact With Personality

The $16,390 2024 Nissan Versa has got lots of spunk.

This subcompact car has great design, wallet-friendly gas mileage and a big selection of available driver assist features.

The 122 horsepower engine generates 114 pound-feet of torque, delivering 32 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

Versa’s commitment to value begins with offering the most standard safety technology in its class, with class-exclusive available Nissan “safety shield 360 features.” Standard safety features on every grade include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking and high beam assist. Available safety technologies include blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert.

The compact sedan’s interior is spacious and functional, with generous trunk space of up to 15 cubic feet. A wide trunk opening and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat (optional on S, standard on SV and SR) help accommodate bulkier items. Lots of front headroom and front legroom provide flexibility for taller drivers.

The Nissan Versa has available Apple CarPlay, which brings contacts, favorite messaging apps, Apple Music playlists, and Apple Maps into the vehicle, contributing to a great driving experience.

Under Versa’s hood is a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine paired with a smooth Xtronic transmission (optional on S, standard on SV and SR) or a 5-speed manual transmission (S only).

The best-selling vehicle in its class, Versa was recently honored with a spot on the Car and Driver 2023 Editors’ Choice list, and has been named “Best in Class” in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. It was also the “2022 Best Subcompact Car for the Money” by U.S. News & World Report.

At $16,290, the Versa is also the lowest starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of any new car in America. Give the 2024 Nissan Versa a spin and tell me what you think.

Positive people in Pinecrest: Mackenzie Floyd

Positive people in Pinecrest: Mackenzie Floyd
Positive people in Pinecrest: Mackenzie Floyd
Mackenzie Floyd

Senior Mackenzie Floyd is Westminster Christian School’s Silver Knight nominee in the General Scholarship category. Next year she’s attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She’ll be in Honors Carolina, the honors program. She plans to major in Neuroscience for a career in the medical field.

At Westminster, she collaborated with a teacher at the elementary school to create the Author Academy, a creative writing program that has since grown to include children from third through fifth grade.

“I recruited other students to mentor the kids and work with them weekly and to be there for multiple years,” she says.

Now they have about 15 elementary students, five or so mentors and two teachers involved in the program.

“This year we’re publishing a quarterly newsletter,” she says. “Last year we entered into creative writing competitions. We wrote an ABC book for the preschoolers at Westminster.”

They prepared the students to write their books.

“We start out reading a mentor text and they have writer’s notebooks,” she says. “We ask them to try it for themselves. Then we go individually, and they work on their own stories or the newsletter.”

They also have a Spoken Word night, where the students present everything they have worked on throughout the year.

The students in the Author Academy took two field trips to the Everglades Foundation and Black Point Marina to gather information on the Everglades for the next quarterly newsletter.

Floyd’s community service includes her work as president of Twenty Little Working Girls.

The community service organization recently raised more than $900 in their annual bake sale, which is just a part of the approximate $20,000 they raise annually.

The money raised is distributed to various charities. The girls also volunteer at different events most weekends, including events at the Chapman Partnership for the Homeless and Glory House.

“I do a lot of volunteer shifts,” she says.

Through Twenty Little Working Girls, Floyd volunteers at Breakthrough Miami twice a month. She goes to the one at Carrolton School for the Sacred Heart.

At school, she’s captain of the cheer team.

“I lead the team in calling cheers,” she says. “We lead most of the practices. We practice almost every day except for Thursdays and Fridays are our games.”

She’s also co-president of the Student Ambassadors Association, an organization that she helped start.

“We give tours on open house days,” she says. “I’m one of the student speakers for the tours. We have given smaller, more personal tours as Student Ambassadors this semester.”

In addition to all her other school commitments, she’s on the school’s leadership team.

“I’m head of the spirit committee,” she says. “We plan prom, homecoming, homecoming week. We negotiate with vendors. And we plan pep rallies. I started leadership my sophomore year.”

She was on the spiritual development committee in tenth grade and then the spirit committee for the past two years.

“Everything is student run,” she says. I’m the one who sends the emails, sets the prices, gets the contracts.”

She is a member of the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, the National English Honor Society, the World Language National Honor Society and Thespian Honor Society. She’s president of the Science National Honor Society.

Her research project through the Advanced Placement Capstone program covered ADHD and Adolescents.

“How pediatricians talk to teens about ADHD, and how that discussion affects the way the adolescent perceives the diagnosis,” she says.

The research has been published in The Journal of Student Research.

Floyd is the managing editor of the Beacon, the school yearbook.

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

 

 

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