Palmetto Bay’s outreach officers were out in force Nov. 16 for the fourth annual DARE Arts & Crafts Fair and Car Show to help fund the popular anti-drug program for school-age children in Palmetto Bay through the purchase of student workbooks and diplomas.
Throughout the day, a steady stream of people strolled through the 40-plus vendors selling everything from jewelry to clothing to food. Coast Radio 97.3 FM was broadcasting live from Coral Reef Park throughout the day and attendance was estimated at over 1,000. Palmetto Bay officer Peter Judge gave out free bike helmets to many residents, including 9-year old Sharyn Epling.
“It makes me happy because I know I’m safe now,” she said.
The Benefit Car Show ran a “Best in Show” auto show with over 60 vintage vehicles exhibited. There were some amazing cars there, both muscle and luxury.
One young man was particularly proud of his vehicle. Sahid Souss, 18, from Palmetto Bay, was showing off his 1968 VW Beetle (with a 1971 engine). Souss goes to an Aviation & Mechanics School, so it was a natural when he decided to rebuild the Bug just three months ago. He expects the completion in time to take a road trip across the country. He is styling the car with what he calls a Cali stance, meaning surf board, low ride and cool rims.
I was pleased to see Lt. Col. Edgrdige Williams signing autographs at the car show. The auto show organizer honors Williams at many of their events. Williams just turned 96 and was a decorated Tuskegee Airman. See my story about him in an earlier edition of the Pinecrest Tribune.
Pinecrest resident and Kona Ice truck owner Robyn Martinez was on hand with her family to keep everyone cool while they enjoyed the day of cars, arts, crafts and kid activities.
“We are so grateful for the Palmetto Bay parks & rec staff,” said community outreach officer and event organizer Patience Glasko. “Each year they do a fantastic job assisting our police staff in managing the festival throughout the day.”
INAUGURAL ISLAND ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL
As fall sets in on South Florida, the weather becomes perfect for outdoor events. This was certainly true for the inaugural Island Rock Music Festival at Gilbert’s Resort in Key Largo on Nov. 26. The brainchild of John Gregg, lead singer for The Regs, the all-day event supported four Florida Keys charities: The Wild Bird Center, The Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, The Wyland Foundation and The Burton Memorial Food Bank.
With two stages set up, the continuous music started at noon and ran well into the evening. With performances by The Outlaws, The Regs, Mr. Nice Guy, Colbert, Stalking Mildred, The X’s and more, the event yielded 1,000 plus items for the food bank and nearly $20,000 for the charities. A video of this event is available at http://youtu.be/o_LlR_uPRh0.
2013 MANGOWOOD BLOCK PARTY
I’ve written about the quaint, almost idyllic neighborhood of Mangowood before. These homes, nestled adjacent to Coral Reef Elementary School, have run a successful volunteer homeowners’ association for more than 50 years. Most would think this a feat like climbing Everest, but in this community it comes easy.
The moment you enter the area, you can almost feel the community reach out to you. People say hello on these streets. People care for and know their neighbors. And for that very reason, these predominantly 1960s homes maintain a higher market value. I proudly assist in recognizing this fact, as does the Village of Palmetto bay government. Both Councilman Patrick Fiore and Mayor Shelley Stanczyk did so at this event.
On Saturday, the HOA had its annual board elections. Before the official business, the neighborhood blocks off the street and meets to have a block party. This year it was complete with a DJ and catered food from Hole in the Wall.
Besides a huge climbing wall, the kids got balloon art. The adults got a chance to sit with their neighbors and talk about the upcoming holidays and reminisce about prior community events.
While you might think this is not real news, I’d ask you to think again. Where else can people raise their property value simply by being nice to each other? Where else will you see unconditional support from your neighbor? I think this is one of the best neighborhoods in the entire U.S.A. and would love to implement just a fraction of their goodness on my block. How about you?
HAL’S HOMEOWNER HELP
What are you waiting for? If it’s time to sell your home, it doesn’t cost any more to sell with the best and get NextGen listing service. I know South Florida and how to maximize the value of your home. Get in touch with me to sell your home. I’ll educate you on the latest market information.
I’m always looking for interesting people and events for consideration in upcoming issues. Contact me with your ideas.
Hal Feldman is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. Contact him via email at Hal@MiamiHal.com or go to www.MiamiHal.com.
