Gulfstream Elementary awaits a remarkable new playground

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May 14, 2010

The students of Gulfstream Elementary soon will get a much-needed and longawaited new playground that is remarkable in both its design and the fact that it will be brought in and set up in just one day’s time.

More than 200 volunteers from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, organizers from KaBOOM! and residents of the Cutler Bay community will join forces on Saturday, June 12, to build a new, safe playground at the school, using a design based on drawings created by children who participated in a Design Day event in April.

Gulfstream Elementary’s 600 students have had to make do with outdated equipment to play on, but that will soon be removed to make room for the new playground that will provide them with a safer place to play.

“We’re looking forward to the build day on June 12, when we will have volunteers here to help build our playground, thanks to the generosity of the Knight Foundation and KaBOOM!,” said Gulfstream principal Susan Lyle. “We want to make sure our children’s needs are met. They’re the ones who designed this playground and we tried to have one that met as many of their requirements as possible.”

The playground is one of 14 to be built by KaBOOM! and the Knight Foundation this year, and one of more than 150 KaBOOM! will lead across the country in 2010 with the goal of providing a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

In addition to the community-built playground, the new play area also will include an “Imagination Playground in a Box,” a breakthrough playspace concept designed by architect David Rockwell to encourage child-directed, unstructured free play. Complete with custom designed blue foam blocks and other loose parts, and elements that encourage sand and water play, Imagination Playground in a Box allows children to constantly reconfigure their environment and design their own course of play.

The “build-in” begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, with a kickoff ceremony and volunteer deployment. Construction takes place from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with volunteers assembling the brightly colored playground equipment. Around 2:30 to 3 p.m. will be the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling of the revolutionary Imagination Playground in a Box.

“We think it’s going to be a very exciting event, with the community gathering to help us,” Lyle said. “This means a lot to us. We collected money and had a lot of fundraisers for the past three years, trying to get enough money to build the playground, so thanks to these two organizations we are finally able to do it. It’s amazing they can do it in one day.

“We would love to have volunteers contact the school at 305-235-6811 and come and help us build the playground.”

Gulfstream Elementary is a Title One school with a large Special Education population that services children with varying exceptionalities such as autism, deaf and hard of hearing, as well as physically and intellectually disabled children. The goal is to provide a fully accessible and sensoryrich playground for children of all abilities while providing a place where compassion and acceptance flourish.

For more information, visit online at < http://gulfstreamelm.dadeschools.net >. To learn about the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation visit < www.knightfoundation.org >.

KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, dedicated to saving play. For more information, visit < www.kaboom.org >.

Comedy Show to benefit hospital’s Radio Lollipop

By

Erika Arriola

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May 14, 2010

Local comedians will present a special night full of laughter at the fifth annual “Night at the Improv” to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital’s Radio Lollipop. The show takes place on Wednesday, May 19, 8:30 p.m., at the Miami Improv in Coconut Grove.

“Night at the Impov” will feature local comedians John Vargas and Nathaniel Stoud, host David Berry, and headliner Jamal Hatter. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $20 and are good for two admissions each.

Additionally, raffle tickets can be purchased for the chance to win one of many donated prizes from local supporters, including round-trip airfare for two from American Airlines, a hotel stay at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Dolphin Encounters at Miami Seaquarium to name a few. To purchase event and raffle tickets to “Night at the Improv,” call Miami Children’s Hospital at 786-624-4431.

Radio Lollipop offers a fun dose of diversion for the children at MCH. During program hours patients can visit the studio, help Radio Lollipop presenters deejay the show, work on creative activities, win on-air prizes, and request songs. Radio Lollipop at MCH broadcasts live from the main playroom studio every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Ceramic League of Miami offers ‘Clay Camp’ learning experience

By

Robert Hamilton

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May 14, 2010

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“Clay Camp” is not just for fun, but also a learning experience for the child who doesn’t mind getting dirty.

The Ceramic League of Miami is offering a children’s program with a concentration in hand building and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Children and teens ages 7 to 15 are invited to attend. Starting on June 14 there will be eight one-week camp sessions with different projects each week. The team of experienced adult instructors will teach various techniques that will explore whimsical, colorful and successful projects. The camp provides daily materials, snacks and a lot of fun.

Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and class size is limited.

Send in your registration with payment early to secure desired weeks. Weekly fee is $150.

The Ceramic League is located at 8873 SW 129 St. in Kendall. For more information contact Jill Gerlach at 305- 233-2404 or visit online at < www.ceramicleaguemiami.org >.

Dadeland Mall cooks up Mini Chefs family fun

By

Ashley Sugarman

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May 14, 2010

Dadeland Mall invites children of all ages to roll up their sleeves and explore the fun side of food with hands-on learning activities during the Simon Kidgits Club’s Super Duper Mini Chefs event on Friday, May 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in front of Kay Jewelers.

“Dadeland Mall is thrilled to welcome families to take part in the Simon Kidgits Club’s Super Duper Mini Chefs event,” said Renee Lanzara, director of marketing and business development of Dadeland Mall. “Where else can our youngest chefs have fun expressing themselves with food, while Mom and Dad enjoy an entertaining family moment?”

The Simon Kidgits Club will transform Dadeland Mall into a magical kitchen where kids can take part in many fun activities, including:

• Make sweet cereal necklaces and bracelets;

• Create trail mix consisting of raisins, M&M’s, mini chips, pretzels and more;

• Decorate mini cupcakes with Sweetness Bake Shop & Café;

• Learn how to make cookie ice cream sandwiches with Nestle Toll House Café;

• Learn how to roll dough and make a pizza pie with Cozzolli’s Pizza; • Create yogurt parfaits and sample chicken nuggets with Chick-Fil-A, including a special visit by the Eat More Chikin Cow, and

• Learn how to twist pretzels with Auntie Anne’s and sample on-the-go, famous pretzel stix.

Children also will have the opportunity to enjoy a nutritional magic show by Amy the Magical Chef, decorate aprons and enjoy Strawberry Shortcake coloring sheets. Simon Kidgits Club members will receive a Strawberry Shortcake doll and a Kidgits Oven Mitt Baking Set (while supplies last).

Kids and their parents are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item (canned meats such as tuna and chicken, macaroni, etc.) that will be donated to Feeding South Florida.

Super Duper Mini Chefs is one of several programs and events held throughout the year at Dadeland Mall for members of the Simon Kidgits Club, which focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children.

The Simon Kidgits Club’s “Super Duper Mini Chefs” event is free to members and non-members alike, however families can sign up for the Kidgits Club during regular mall hours at Dadeland Mall or online at < www.simon.com/kidgits > for a membership fee of $5.

The $5 fee includes one-year membership, a Kidgits Club membership card and T-shirt, scheduled entertainment and activities for families, a Birthday Club (including birthday card and gift redemption certificate), unique programs and offers, discounts and a quarterly newsletter.

For more information, visit online at < www.simon.com/kidgits >.

Dadeland Mall, Miami’s premier, fashion- forward shopping destination, is anchored by Florida’s largest Macy’s, as well as Macy’s Home Gallery & Kids, Saks Fifth Avenue, JCPenney, Nordstrom, and the country’s largest The Limited and Express. Dadeland, which also features more than 185 specialty stores, is located at 7535 N. Kendall Dr., between the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) and S. Dixie Highway (US1).

For more information on Dadeland Mall, call 305-665-6226 or visit online at < www.simon.com >.

Hurricane preparations always need updating

By

Richard Yager

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May 14, 2010

There always is reason to update your thinking about hurricane preparation. That was the message delivered by Roslyn Viterbo, of the Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management, to members of the Miami-Dade Police Hammocks District Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) on Apr. 28. “Did you know why we’ll get a hurricane warning this year when a tropical storm is due?” she asked. “The Weather Bureau this year will issue a warning for up to 74-mile per hour winds.

“It’s because they’ve decided you won’t have an easy time putting up hurricane shutters in 50-mile-per-hour gale winds, just 36 hours before a Category I hurricane fringe is due.” Do you know you’re nearest pet shelter? It’s Tropical Park for Kendall residents, Viterbo explained. It’s one of three in Miami- Dade, limited to the first 400 owners who register; service animals such as seeing-eye dogs are accepted at all evacuation centers, including schools.

“You have to be registered in advance if you want to enter a county shelter that takes pets,” she added. “And that includes parrots, too!”

Details on pet caring in shelters are available by calling 3-1-1, she advised.

“While many supermarkets and service stations now have generators to operate without power, remember that ATMs may not function to allow you to get cash for payments,” Viterbo said. “Some branch banks do have generators, but do you know if that applies to yours? Better check it out.

“And are you sure you know what to do with your pool?” she continued. “Remember when It used to be to ‘drain it completely’ until rainsoaked grounds ‘popped’ out pool shells.” The current guideline is to drain standing pool water to a depth of six inches below the skimmer (chlorine) line. Don’t pitch lawn chairs in the pool, bring them inside.

“Locating a safe interior spot (like a bathroom without windows) is the ideal place because recent hurricanes have spawned tornadoes that can collapse roofing,” she noted. “That’s why you want to equip it with an emergency kit, too.”

She advises to check your flood plain status. “If you are in a flood zone, think equally about water levels as well as windstorm threats, inside your home,” Viterbo said. “Make a plan, but make sure it includes precautions for flooding, evacuation, pets and how to care for older people who can’t get around.”

A hurricane evacuation center list is released to the public annually on May 1, based on geographic location, capacity, structural integrity, accessibility for people with disabilities and amenities such as restrooms designed for adult use.

The primary group of 20 hurricane evacuation centers is sorted into four waves of five schools that are geographically disbursed around the county.

Primary hurricane evacuation centers meet all the aforementioned criteria and additionally have a capacity greater than 1,000; have a full-service kitchen which can store a two- to three-day supply of food; ample parking, and evacuees have access to all shelter areas in the facility during the lockdown period.

To review your hurricane plan, guidance is available by logging on to < www.miamidade.gov > and linking to “Department” to find the Department of Emergency Management page. For more assistance, call 305-488-5400.

Gorham joins staff in HR at Village Hall

By

Gary Alan Ruse

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May 14, 2010

Caroline Gorham joined the Village Hall staff in mid-April, working as administrative assistant to Human Resources director Olga Cadaval, and will help with human resources, grant writing and other administrative matters.

Gorham has been a Palmetto Bay resident for the past 10 years and even lives close to Village Hall, so she has a stake in things that happen in the community. She has a BA in Business Administration and also focused on International Studies and Spanish, both of which she believes will come in handy in her work. She studied in Holland and Spain in addition to her stateside education.

“I really like it here,” Gorham said about Village Hall. “I’m impressed with the good, positive feeling. Everyone here is very helpful.”

Golf carts now may ‘cross the line’ between cities

By

Gary Alan Ruse

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May 14, 2010

The Palmetto Bay Village Council during its May 3 meeting at the Deering Estate Visitors Center voted unanimously to pass an ordinance providing for reciprocal use of properly registered golf carts between the Town of Cutler Bay and Village of Palmetto Bay.

The Cutler Bay Commission had enacted a similar ordinance on Feb. 17 permitting the golf carts of village residents to be used on town roads, so the move by the village council allows residents of both cities to “cross the line” and enjoy travel between the two communities.

“I think the new ordinance is fantastic,” said village resident Marshall Berk.

“It’s easy to get around — there’s less traffic on the side streets. It’s fun. I think people are going to have a nice time with it. I have family in Cutler Bay, so we can visit each other with the carts, now.”

Berk is one of a number of golf cart owners who is registered and enjoys using the scaled-down form of transportation to visit friends and relatives, get coffee or food or do some shopping in accessible areas. He also said that when he is in the golf cart, people wave and respond to him in a friendly manner, and the relaxed pace is nice.

“I wish Pinecrest would do the same thing,” Berk said. “I have some family members over there, too.” To operate golf carts on streets within Palmetto Bay or Cutler Bay, the carts must be registered with one of the municipalities, driven by someone 18 or older with a valid driver’s license, be covered by insurance and have the required basic safety equipment.

Carts must have four wheels, lights, turn signals, brakes, seatbelts, be limited to less than 20 miles per hour and carry no more than four people. All streets in the village are permitted except for major heavily trafficked ones such as S. Dixie Highway (US1), Old Cutler Road, SW 136th Street, SW 144th Street, SW 152nd Street, SW 168th Street, SW 184th Street, SW 67th Avenue, SW 77th Avenue, SW 82nd Avenue, SW 87th Avenue and SW 97th Avenue.

Carts cannot be operated on sidewalks, bike paths, swales or inside of parks (other than legitimate parking spaces).

There’s a $50 initial registration fee, but the annual renewal is only $10. For more information, contact either Palmetto Bay Village Hall at 305-259-1234 or Cutler Bay Town Hall at 305-234-4262.

American Red Cross urges renewed attention to summer water safety

By

Chrystian Tejedor

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May 14, 2010

After two accidental drowning deaths recently in Broward County, the American Red Cross (ARC) urges South Floridians to take extra precautions around home swimming pools and other places where children might swim unsupervised.

“While we are all looking forward to a summer of fun with our family and friends, it’s important to remember that most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines,” said Hunter Ruffin, regional director of Health and Safety Services at the American Red Cross South Florida Region.

“Everyone should know how to swim well. We can help families stay safe by teaching skills through our swimming and water safety program that teaches children and adults to learn how to swim skillfully and safely.”

A survey conducted by the American Red Cross in 2009 shows the importance of water safety skills, with half of those surveyed saying they have had a neardrowning experience in their lifetime.

The survey found that 48 percent reported a near-drowning experience, and nearly one in three said they had a near-drowning scare between the ages of 5 and 15. The national survey of 1,002 adults was conducted in late March in advance of the summer to assess the water activity plans of families and their water safety knowledge and training.

The Red Cross survey found more than 90 percent of people planned to participate in water-related activities in the summer with nearly half of parents — with children between the ages of 3 and 17 — planning to engage in water-related activities where no lifeguard would be on duty. If you plan to head to the pool or to the beach this summer or if you have a backyard pool, follow these tips from American Red Cross South Florida Region to have a fun and safe time on the water:

• Never leave children unattended near water — not even for a moment! Adults should practice “reach supervision,” which means to always be within arm’s length when a young child is near water. For older children — even adults — who are not strong swimmers, practice “active” or constant supervision and make sure they wear U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets whenever in or around the water.

• Know how to respond to an emergency. You should know how to tell if a swimmer is in distress or is drowning and how and when to call for emergency help. You also should learn how to help someone in trouble in water while keeping safe yourself. Do not create a situation where you become a victim as well. Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first aid and CPR courses to learn what to do.

• Keep lifesaving gear handy. Always have on hand a ring buoy, life jacket, rope, pole or other object that can be used to help a person in trouble. Remember to have a first aid kit, cordless phone and emergency contact information by the pool.

• Know when it is too dangerous. If you, or someone you are swimming with, appear to be too cold, too far from safety, been exposed to too much sun, or had too much strenuous activity, it is time to head for shore or signal for help.

• Eliminate temptation. Backyard pools should have self-closing, self-latching gates that remain locked when the pool is not being used. Kiddie pools should be emptied and toys removed immediately after use. Empty water pales and buckets so small children cannot fall in and drown.

• Know what you’re getting into. Check local tides, currents and other conditions that could be dangerous before entering open bodies of water.

For more information on learn-to-swim classes, or pool safety tips, contact the American Red Cross at 305-644-1200 or 1-954-797-3800.

More information is available online at < www.southfloridaredcross.org >, < www.tucruzroja.org > and < www.southfloridaprepares.org >.

Hochberg Preparatory presents concert by musical talent Ethan Bortnick

By

South Florida News

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May 14, 2010

Hochberg Preparatory will host a benefit concert headlined by world renowned musical talent and child prodigy Ethan Bortnick on Wednesday, May 26th. The concert, which will begin at 6:30 p.m., will take place at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus located at 20350 NE 26th Avenue in North Miami Beach.

The full-length concert will feature a variety of musical selections for the whole family, including everything from Mozart to rock and roll. The concert will be followed by a questionand- answer session during which time Bortnick will take questions from the audience, as well as talk about his incredible experiences in the business.

Bortnick, at only nine years old, is an accomplished pianist, musician, composer, actor and artist. He is widely considered to be one of the youngest philanthropists in the world. Bortnick began playing the keyboard at the age of three and was composing music by the age of five. He made his national television debut on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 2007. He has since appeared on many national and international television programs and has performed with a long list of well-known artists including Beyonce, Patti Labelle and Sir Elton John. Earlier this year, Bortnick became the youngest artist to record “We Are The World – 25 For Haiti,” with 70+ other artists. Later this year, he will become the youngest entertainer to headline his own tour. Bortnick is a passionate philanthropist, especially when it comes to children’s causes. He recently helped raise more than $12 million for Miami Children’s Hospital.

Bortnick is a student at Hochberg Preparatory and volunteered to headline the benefit concert to help raise funds for his school, and to help bring attention to the importance that the arts and music play in the lives of children and young adults. Tickets for the concert are $18. There will be a pre-concert VIP reception with Bortnick and reserved concert seating for $180. For tickets, call 305-933-6946 or http://www.showclix.com/event/9557

Panini Grill wants to be home away from homePanini Grill wants to be home away from home

By

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

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May 14, 2010

In Cutler Bay, not far from the Publix, there is a new restaurant, Panini Grill, that wants to be your home away from home. Panini Grill, 20465 Old Cutler Rd., has a homey atmosphere with fresh foods and free coffee with their breakfast offerings. “We are open early for breakfast,” said Vachagan Robert Yengibaryan, who with his wife, Natalia, own and operate Panini Grill. “We open at 7 a.m. with gourmet muffins and big croissants with ham and cheese.”

He said the idea behind the restaurant is that Panini Grill is a place where you can go out to eat and eat well without having to break the bank. While you’re at Panini Grill you can watch the news, read your favorite book or newspaper. And if you didn’t bring a book, they have a few James Patterson novels that you can read. They also have X-Box and a Wii for kids to play.

“We tailored this based on our needs. What we want in our neighborhood,” he said. “Customers are telling us this is what we need. Aneighborhood gathering place.” In the near future, they will offer European beer and wines for the customers who come later in the day. They are open until 11 p.m.

“The idea is not spend $15-$20 per person (to eat),” he said. “The most expensive item here is $8.95.”

They have been Cutler Bay residents for five years and also own a restaurant in Wellington. They moved to Cutler Bay when Yengibaryan secured a teaching job. He has taught at Southridge and Killian high schools. Yengibaryan has a degree in International Relations from Moscow State University and a PhD in Constitutional and International Law.

When he lived in Moscow he owned 15 pharmacies and he had a pharmacy export business. His wife has a degree in business administration.

He no longer teaches although he manages a student exchange program for Florida International University. “I bring students to study English,” he said.

But his passion is cooking and he set aside his other interests to open the restaurants. Since he is very much into education, Yengibaryan studied on his own and received certifications needed to be in the food industry.

He and his wife devised a menu using their European background and knowledge of Mediterranean foods.

“The menus went through big changes in the beginning,” he said. “It was a slower menu. Eventually we had to develop more items that could be done quickly. We are trying to stick with organic things. Chicken that we make is Kosher rated. No hormones, no antibiotics.”

They also have a children’s menu that includes homemade chicken tenders. “We also have a vegetarian menu,” he said. “We make our own hummus.” The menu includes fresh soups and four different breads for wraps.

“Once a week we offer something new,” he said. “If it sticks, we keep it on the menu.”

So far, the desserts have been a hit. Desserts include mango mousse, Italian almond cake, and baklava.

“We make all of our muffins,” Yengibaryan said. “And fresh cookies.” So far, the most popular item on the menu is the Greek gyro. It can be made with beef, lamb or chicken.

“We make fabulous smoothies. They do not contain ice or powders.”

Everything on the menu is available for pick-up.

For information, call 305-238-5894 or go online to < www.ThePaniniWorld.com >.

Naples Beach Hotel completes $5 million pool complex

By

South Florida News

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May 13, 2010

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club recently completed its all-new $5 million beachfront pool complex. The larger beachfront pool complex features two new swimming pools — a freeform pool for families and a secluded ovalshaped pool for adults. The area also has two new whirlpools, a new pool bar with food service, new restrooms, new locker facilities and a new pool shop. Picturesque tall palms encircle the pool area and there is easy access for guests to walk right onto the beach.

This new pool complex follows the completion of the 319-room resort’s multi-million dollar renovation and remodeling of its guest rooms and suites in January. The dramatically renovated guest rooms and suites have remodeled bathrooms, new carpet and new sliding glass doors. The bathrooms are larger and have new walk-in, glassenclosed showers with sea-blue tile, as well as new double sinks, spacious new vanities, new tile floors and fixtures, and vanity mirrors.

In addition, another vanity outside of the bathroom — complete with a sink, large mirror, vanity mirror and towels — has been added so that another person can get ready while the bathroom is in use. This was the second and final phase of the multi-million dollar guest room remodeling project, which also included new bedding and fabrics, flat-panel televisions, rich new furnishings and accents in calming tropical shades.

Owned and operated by the Watkins family for more than 60 years, the resort offers a beachfront location in the heart of scenic old Naples. Offerings at the 125- acre resort include 1,000 feet of white-sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico; an on-site par 72 championship golf course; a worldclass spa; complete fitness center; the Mary C. Watkins Tennis Center with six Har-Tru courts; Beach Klub 4 Kids, a recreational program for children ages five to 12; an Orchid House, home to over 3,000 tropical plants; multiple restaurants and lounges; 34,000 square feet of meeting space; and beautiful outdoor venues.

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is located at 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North. For more information, call 800-237-7600 or go to < www.NaplesBeachHotel.com >.

The McKafka Group hosts ‘International Partners… Driving Today’s Economy’ at Christine Lee’s

By

Bari Auerbach

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May 13, 2010

The McKafka Group, a joint venture partnership between G&D Developers and European Property Development, shared expertise about creating global business partnerships at an Aventura Marketing Council Chairman’s Roundtable Luncheon featuring internationally acclaimed guests: Ian McCluskey, CEO of Thought Leadership International and former publisher of AmericaEconomia magazine; David Adams, editor of Miami and U.S. editions of Poder Enterprise magazines as well as online content for Poder360.com; and Doreen Hemlock, Sun- Sentinel business writer.

Bob Hollander of Brown & Brown Insurance, standing in for AMC Chair Cliff Schulman of Weiss, Serota, Helfman helped welcome business and community leaders to Christine Lee’s at Gulfstream Park. Fernando Levy Hara and Stephan Gietl, partners in The McKafka Group, were pleased to host the event focusing on how the formation of international partnerships has become a powerful force driving today’s economy.

Quickly capitalizing on strategies for international business success, The McKafka Group already has 64 condo units under contract in downtown Fort Lauderdale, just one block from Las Olas Boulevard; as well as many other real estate ventures currently being negotiated.

“We’re very optimistic about the future of this country and the global perspective of the economy,” Levy Hara said. “Although this is a tough time, this is still the land of opportunity and the strongest economy in the world. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy real estate in the U.S. at better prices than anywhere else in the developed world.”

Also recognizing the vast potential associated with forging foreign alliances, the Aventura Marketing Council formed an International Committee co-chaired by Levy Hara and immigration attorney Roger Bernstein. The mission of the AMC’s International Committee is embodied in Ian McCluskey’s vision for Thought Leadership International, comprised of “the world’s very best executive coaches, trainers, workshop facilitators and speakers, with years of experience in bringing about change for individuals and corporations worldwide; recognizing the global condition; and pioneering new ways of thinking, acting, understanding and being.”

Award-winning veteran reporter David Adams, editor of Miami and U.S. editions of Poder Enterprise magazines and Poder360.com, explained Poder is written for a global audience of influential senior business and political decision-makers. Its in-depth, cutting edge editorial coverage and exclusive insider access and information on the U.S. Hispanic market and Latin America have made it an influence in the social, economic, political and cultural arenas.

For over a decade, Sun-Sentinel business writer Doreen Hemlock, considered one of the best international business reporters in South Florida, has also been covering international business, tourism and other business areas, working in the U.S., Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Peru.

During a panel discussion, Hemlock, McCluskey and Adams spoke about the economic benefits of international partnerships: Last year in South Florida, we had $80 billion worth of global trading coming out of our airports and seaports. For 15 years running, we’ve been the only area in the country with a trade surplus because of our exports to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Florida’s economy is driven by foreign visitors and buyers. Tourism drives business and in Miami-Dade, about fifty percent of tourists come from overseas. Florida also has the highest share of real estate buyers from overseas than any other state. Both big and small companies involving foreign investors are the fastestgrowing sector of the U.S. economy.

International business – we only see it growing and South Florida is a fine example of that…Today, the trend is all about ‘going global.

For more information about The McKafka Group, call 305-466-4243. (All photos courtesy of Andrew Goldstein)

Gulfstream Elementary awaits a remarkable new playground

Comedy Show to benefit hospital’s Radio Lollipop

Ceramic League of Miami offers ‘Clay Camp’ learning experience

Dadeland Mall cooks up Mini Chefs family fun

Hurricane preparations always need updating

Gorham joins staff in HR at Village Hall

Golf carts now may ‘cross the line’ between cities

American Red Cross urges renewed attention to summer water safety

Hochberg Preparatory presents concert by musical talent Ethan Bortnick

Panini Grill wants to be home away from homePanini Grill wants to be home away from home

Naples Beach Hotel completes $5 million pool complex

The McKafka Group hosts ‘International Partners… Driving Today’s Economy’ at Christine Lee’s

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