When it comes to bedroom communities, it’s hard to beat Palmetto Bay’s Mangowood. Established in 1958, the near 300 single-family houses are home to some of the happiest owners around, and with good reason.
Every November, this voluntary Citizens’ Association elects new board members and throws an evening block party. It’s one of several neighborhood events scheduled throughout the year, including a 4th of July parade (complete with an Air Force flyover), a huge multi-block garage sale and police/fire truck-escorted Easter Bunny and Santa events. They even have house decoration awards for Halloween and Christmas.
“We’ve done this for about 30 years now,” said Pam Tabor, this year’s Mangowood president. “It used to be a cocktail party and board elections, but then we decided to expand it to include all family members.”
The block party drew several hundred people to a tented area over Southwest 151st Street where each resident brought a dish that serves 10. They also served catered food to make sure there was plenty. The 100-foot serving line was certainly diverse and colorful. There was also live music throughout the night provided byThe Fabulons.
The kids even got to climb a rock wall. Nine-year old Marcus Durand tried a few times.
“I’m going to make it to the top next time,” he said.
Steve Gunn has been a Mangowood resident for 50 years.
Rose Van Patten gets her food.
“For a voluntary $30 a year, we do a lot of great things for our neighbors,” Gunn said. “We’re very proud of what we do.” It certainly shows, as people tend to stay here and hand their houses down to the next generation.
PALMETTO BAY FOOD & MUSIC FEST
Veterans Day Weekend was filled with great music and food, thanks to promoter Florida Rock Stars. Held at the Palmetto Bay Village Center, this seven-hour event brought more than a dozen food trucks, specialty food vendors and, of course, some of the best rock bands in South Florida to a great festival venue.
The X’s, Eclipse, 3 Feet Closer, Mr. Nice Guy and the evening’s nightcap, The Regs, made for a sight-and-sound spectacle that made for a very enjoyable Sunday. The weather was great, except for a tiny shower just as The Regs took the stage. “We give $5 from every ticket sold,” said lead singer Little John. “There are lots of people here and I think we’re going to do very well in helping our valued veterans.” The Regs, Mr. Nice Guy and 3 Feet Closer are no strangers to raising money for worthy causes. Each has been doing it for years. It was not only great to hear some amazing cover rock, but know it was coming from great people.
“All of the bands have been fantastic, it’s a great venue, beautiful weather and food trucks were incredible,” said Karen Towriss.
More than 1,500 people attended the event. The money raised from ticket sales and proceeds from the auctioned items went to support local veterans. Florida Rock Stars soon will present a check to the veteran support group Thinking of You Services (TOYS).
HAL’S HOMEOWNER HELP
Good news! 2012 was a turning point for real estate. The market is very tight right now which means there are lots of buyers and little inventory. Good homes in our area are attracting multiple bids and selling quickly. If you’ve ever considered selling, now is a great time to talk to me. I have buyers and need fresh homes to sell them.
I’m always looking for interesting people and events for consideration in upcoming issues. You can contact me with your ideas at www.MiamiHal.com , Hal@MiamiHal.com or www.facebook.com/MiamiHal.
Hal Feldman is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. On Sundays from 10 a.m.- Noon he is outside Wagons West in the Suniland Shopping Center to talk real estate and answer questions. Stop by, say hello and ask him about the value of your home.
