AUTO TAG AND INSURANCE AGENCY OPENS IN DORAL
Airways Auto Tag agency has relocated to Doral in a new state-of-the-art facility. The agency, that also houses an insurance agency, focuses on delivering unparalleled customer service and works with individuals and dealers to offer all tag, title and insurance services for all vehicle types.
“We are excited to now call the thriving City of Doral home and are dedicated to continuing to offer the exceptional service our agency has been known from and now from a beautiful and spacious state of the art facility,” said Ileana Martinez de Castro, owner and operator of Airways Auto Tag. “We have not only updated facilities but also our technology to make sure we are offering the most efficient service to all of our customers.”
Beck and Lo’s Insurance Agency, which is housed in the tag agency, allows for one stop shopping. Insurance agents offer a variety of insurance policies including auto, renter’s and homeowners’ insurance.
The agency one of the only tag agencies to offer concierge services for VIP clients that do not wan to stand in line. They have a separate entrance for these clients for maximum discretion.
The agency has also recently unveiled some new specialty tags including a new tag for realtors. They have more than 100 specialty tags available and also offer personalized tags.
Airways Auto Tag was established in 1946 and was purchased in 2001 by Martinez de Castro and her mother Estela Asion. Asion began her tag agency career at Airways Auto Tag as a driver in 1963 and went on to be the manager before moving to another agency. In 2001 she had the opportunity to purchase the agency with her daughter who had an insurance agency.
Asion, who is in her mid-90s, worked at the agency until her retirement during the pandemic.
Services at Airways Auto Tag include:
Fast Title (Same Day Issuance)
Instant issuance of auto, boat and trailer decals
Full tag, title and registration services
Boat applications
Handicapped permits
Personalized plates
Personalized service to dealers
EFS Facilities to service dealers
Airways Auto Tag is located at 5581 NW 79th Ave, Doral, FL and is open Monday through
Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They can be reached at
305-634-2626.
The Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust to hold its April 2024 Full Trust meeting
Tomorrow, April 24, 2024, the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) will hold its April 2024 Full Trust meeting.
The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. in the Miami-Dade County Commission Chambers on the second floor of the Stephen P. Clark Government Center at 111 N.W. First St., Miami, Florida, 33132.
The meeting will be broadcast live on Miami-Dade Television and via webcast at www.miamidade.gov/webcasting.
Members of the public are welcome to participate by providing a comment on any of the items to be discussed at the Full Trust meeting. A copy of the meeting agenda can be found on the CITT website and on the County’s webcasting page.
Public comments can be provided by:
• Attending the meeting in person and delivering a comment there, or by
• Sending an email to citt@miamidade.gov no later than at noon tomorrow, April 24, 2024. The email will be read into the record during the meeting.
Each member of the public providing a comment will have two minutes to speak. Emails read into the record shall not exceed two minutes. Those who provide a public comment must also provide his/her name, address, and the CITT agenda item number(s) being addressed.
Anyone wishing to obtain more information regarding the meeting can call 305-375-1357. For information about the CITT and the People’s Transportation Plan, the public is encouraged to visit the CITT’s website or call 305-375-1357.
Miami-Dade County to celebrate The Underline Phase 2 ribbon cutting
On Wednesday, April 24, at 10:00 a.m., Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), along with elected officials and project stakeholders, will celebrate the ribbon cutting for phase 2 of the Underline project.
The Underline Phase 2 is a 2.14-mile segment that connects SW 13 St to SW 19 Ave. This phase provides separated pedestrian and bicycle paths, improvements to intersections, access to public transportation, public Wi-Fi, enhanced lighting, and wayfinding. This expansion links Phase 1, the Brickell Backyard with the historic Roads, Shenandoah, and Silver Bluff neighborhoods in the City of Miami
Once finished, The Underline is a 10-mile multi-modal corridor that will radically transform the underutilized space underneath our Metrorail tracks. This project is an example of Miami-Dade County’s commitment to revisioning and repurposing the right-of-way by reimagining and activating underutilized spaces. The Underline will not only improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety but also enhance connectivity and provide easy access to eight Metrorail stations along the path.
Congressman Carlos Gimenez, District 28
State Representative Vicki Lopez, District 113
State Representative Alex Rizo, District 112
Representative Alex Rizo, Florida House of Representatives District 112
Daniel Iglesias, Director FDOT District 6
Commissioner Eileen Higgins, Miami-Dade County commission, District 5, Chair of the Transportation, Mobility, and Planning Committee (TMPC)
Commissioner Raquel Regalado, Miami-Dade County Commission District 7
Meg Daly, CEO and Founder, Friends of The Underline
Grant Miller: South Dade Needs COSTCO JOBS
Michael Swerdlow, the Miami-based developer behind the Dolphin Mall, is lobbying Miami-Dade County to purchase a vacant 17-acre tract off Southwest 190th Street, north of where U.S. 1 meets Florida’s Turnpike. Swerdlow’s plan? To develop the West Perrine property for a Costco warehouse store.
The plan has been met with both support and some resistance.
Commissioner Kionne McGhee is pushing the proposal to sell land that the County’sWater and Sewer Department (WASD) purchased almost two decades ago but has let sit idle all this time. WASD is planning to construct a facility to store pipes and service its fleet of vehicles, but has been in the process of planning since the County first purchased the property. The property so far has had zero impact on the economy of South Miami-Dade County.
What Swerdlow is planning, however, will be like a jolt of cafecito, awakening a financial giant.
You want numbers? Here you go.
A Costco of the size anticipated will create 438 jobs. And Costco isn’t an employer who
pays its workers minimum wage. The annual payroll for those 438 jobs will be $8,534,700 a year, or an average of $19,485 per employee, not including benefits. And putting those wages and the benefits paid to the employees through the economy produces a benefit of over $15 million to the local GDP in the first year and more than $179 million over a 10 year period. Once developed and opened, the property would generate over $421,000 just in County and School District ad valorem taxes per year and over $4 million during its first 10 years of life. Likewise, in its first year of operation, the location would produce $1.6 million in state and county sales taxes and more than $19 million in its first decade.
And just as important, it will place jobs in South Miami-Dade County that will be filled
by people who already reside down there, will attract new residents, or will bring commuters south when everybody else is heading north.
So why isn’t this already a done deal?
The biggest stumbling block is that an independent appraisal of the property pegs the
value at $31 million, while Swerdlow would pay $8 million up front and another $1 million over 10 years. He would be getting a deal, there is no question about that. But this piece of land is not generating property taxes. It’s not generating sales taxes. It’s not creating the one thing that South Miami-Dade is in desperate need of — jobs.
I reached out to the Mayor’s Office to see where Mayor Cava stands on this issue. Her
spokesperson, Natalia Jaramillo, got back to me by saying ” We are continuing to work with the developer and the Commission in hopes of finding suitable property for this project, which will help create jobs and drive economic growth in the South Dade community.The property under consideration is in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) footprint and is needed to protect the Everglades and transmit fresh water to the Bay – part of our critical efforts to protect and preserve our clean water – and the price offered is significantly under value.
Further, the terms of the WASD bond covenant create restrictions on how we can utilize WASD property and we are also exploring other possible legal hurdles. Given the importance of this property, we need to identify a real alternative before we can feel comfortable giving up the parcelI hope the County can overcome these hurdles. Given the importance of this property, we need to identify a real alternative before we can feel comfortable giving up the parcel.”
costing the County money to maintain and protect it. Accepting Swerdlow’s proposal is the kind of a kick in the ass that the South Miami-Dade economy needs.
Rituparna SImlai’s Landscape Architecture Firm, Studio Arth, Announces New Projects: JaJaJa, Scotch and Bacon, and Mitrani Art Centre
Studio Arth, an award-winning landscape architecture firm based in Coconut Grove, Miami, led by visionary founder Rituparna Simlai is proud to announce its involvement in a series of highly anticipated projects that will redefine the outdoor aesthetic of three prominent establishments: JaJaJa Mexican Restaurant, Scotch and Bacon Restaurants, and Mitrani Art Centre.
Rituparna’s design prowess has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the Exceptional Emerging Professional Award from the Florida chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 2020. Under her leadership, Studio Arth’s portfolio features prestigious establishments like top-tier restaurants, art centers, and boutique residences in the vibrant landscapes of South Florida and the dynamic cityscape of New Delhi.
Prior to establishing Studio Arth, Rituparna contributed her expertise to noteworthy projects such as the Golden1 – Sacramento Kings Stadium and Ford Foundation Headquarters and spearheaded the landscape design for the 1111 Lincoln Road Extension, showcasing her proficiency in shaping distinctive and impactful outdoor environments.
Under Rituparna’s leadership at Studio Arth, the firm successfully executed the post-hurricane Irma plant restoration at Plaza on Brickell Condominium. Additionally, the studio embarked on landscaping projects for upscale residences in Coconut Grove, Keystone Islands in Miami, Palm Island in Miami Beach, and continues to contribute to ongoing developments such as the Mitrani Art Centre, JaJaJa Mexicana Restaurant, and Scotch and Bacon Restaurants in Wynwood. Rituparna played a pivotal role in the design of landscapes for exclusive homes in Golden Beach, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to excellence and a fervent passion for crafting enchanting outdoor spaces.
Studio Arth, under Rituparna’s guidance, is dedicated to designing with purpose, creating landscapes that align people with nature and themselves. The firm’s core philosophy revolves around revitalizing existing biodiversity on local projects, while also collaborating with renowned designers on ecologically restorative projects in diverse regions like China, Nepal, Ethiopia, and Timor-Leste.
The studio’s commitment to crafting experiential landscapes is evident in their designs, characterized by meandering paths that seamlessly blend organic forms with robust architectural surroundings. Collaborating with arborists, Studio Arth ensures a comprehensive understanding of the health of plants and the overall ecological balance. With a particular emphasis on integrating native flora and fauna, the firm seeks to rejuvenate the biodiversity of the landscapes they design.
Rituparna’s expertise extends beyond her role as a designer; she integrates technology with form and function, offering workshops on parametric design and representation at prestigious universities. She has also served on esteemed design award juries, contributing her discerning eye and wealth of knowledge to evaluate exceptional design achievements on a global scale.
As a registered architect in India and a registered landscape architect in Florida, Rituparna Simlai envisions plant materials as a creative palette, akin to colors in a painting. Studio Arth, through her visionary leadership, seamlessly blends purpose, ecological stewardship, and experiential design, leaving an indelible mark in the field of landscape architecture.
Miami Beach Prepares to Welcome Returning Events and Debut Experiences in May
Miami Beach is set to host a variety of returning and new events in May, all developed to bring the community and visitors experiences set amongst a world-famous landscape. The Hyundai Air & Sea Show will return over Memorial Day Weekend to present “The Greatest Show Above Earth,” taking over the shores of Miami Beach on May 25th and 26th from noon to 6 p.m. The complimentary show includes the valor, technology, and camaraderie of the United States Military alongside dedicated first responder agencies. Additional experiences include the 20th anniversary edition of Paraiso Miami Beach and an inaugural Orchids & Art Festival at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens.
“May is historically an active month on Miami Beach and we are proud to welcome back returning, marquee events and to introduce new offerings to our ever-expanding list of experiences and activities,” says Peggy Benua, Chairwoman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). “We know travelers seek out the destination during this time of year to participate in events that have become known around the world for their showmanship and vibrancy.”
For the first time ever, the Miami Beach Orchid Society, Miami Beach Botanical Garden and Foundation for Emerging Technologies will present the Orchids & Arts Festival. The two- day festival on May 4-5 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. is set to celebrate all things orchids including orchid and art exhibits, music and dance performances, alongside education activities and vendor market. In an effort to raise awareness around Miam Beach’s beautiful, yet fragile ecosystem, the festival will focus on the Florida native orchid species. From florals to fashion, Paraiso Miami Beach, the iconic swimwear and resort wear event, will hold its 20th anniversary edition from May 30 – June 2. Anchored at the Collins Park Tent, the experience will feature 2025 resort collections over a four-day program of fashion shows featuring 25 established and emerging swimwear brands including Acacia, Andrea Iyamah, Sinesia Karol, Shan, Riot Swim, Chloe Rose, PQ Swim, Seafolly, Kulani Kinis, Neena Swim, Sigal, Axil Swim, Luli Fama and Nike Swim.
“This collection of events in May showcases Miami Beach’s long-standing reputation for hosting activities that attract attendees from across the nation and beyond,” adds Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the MBVCA. “As travelers make plans to join the festivities, our new EXP Miami Beach Tours App provides easy access to planning tools and itinerary ideas to make the most of their time with us.”
Download the newly-launched EXP Miami Beach Tours App, now available for download on both Apple and Google platforms and follow @experiencemiamiamibeach on Instagram for more information and the chance to win access to select events.
Performist U.S. Launches in Miami with Industry Veteran Marcelo Salup
Farm Share Distributes Food to Food-Insecure Floridians in Miami Area
Farm Share, Florida’s leading food nonprofit and the state’s largest food bank, is distributing food to food-insecure Floridians in the Miami area. Recipients will receive fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods. Distributions are drive-thru only to minimize contact and to help ensure the safety of all parties. Attendees must arrive in a vehicle with a trunk or cargo bed.
With more than 3.9 million families suffering from food insecurity throughout Florida, Farm Share meets the everyday hunger needs of Floridians by working hand-in-hand with local farmers to recover and redistribute produce that would otherwise be thrown away due to aesthetic imperfections.
Farm Share also distributes food to the community through its network of soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, churches, and senior centers across Florida free of charge. To find a food pantry near you, please visit www.farmshare.org/food-
Please find more information about this week’s events in your area below.
Event: US Attorney’s Office Free Food Distribution
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. until supplies last
Location: 2501 Franklin Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Event: The City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez Free Food Distribution
Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. until supplies last
Location: Charles Hadley Park, 1350 NW 50th St, Miami, FL 33142
Event: Logos New Birth Faith Tabernacle Free Food Distribution
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. until supplies last
Location: 1026 NW 8th St, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Event: The City of West Park Free Food Distribution
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. until supplies last
Location: 3501 SW 56th Ave, West Park, FL 33023
AKI Family Arts Festival Promotes Inclusivity for Kids & Families of All Abilities
The All Kids Included (AKI) Family Arts Festival, a beloved, annual event, returns for its 18th year, promising a day of creativity, inclusivity, and fun for children and families of all abilities. Presented by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with The Children’s Trust, the free festival will take place on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211 St., in Cutler Bay. No tickets are required for this event. Get more information.
The All Kids Included Festival is part of County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s Arts Energize 305 initiative which aims to increase diversity, equity, and access to the arts and ensure that innovative cultural programs are engaging and serving underserved populations and neighborhoods throughout the county.
“Our community is enriched by diversity and inclusion in our everyday lives, and I am committed to providing accessible arts programs in all areas of our county,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “The All Kids Included Family Arts Festival is renowned for being a leader presenting inclusive programs tailored to children and families of all abilities so that everyone can participate fully in everything the arts have to offer.”
The festival features a district-wide student art show and awards ceremony, live performances, community resources and performances by ILL-ABILITIES (see photo above), an international all-star breakdance crew comprised of the world’s best dancers with disabilities. The crew, formed in 2007, will inspire and captivate audiences of all ages on the Main Stage.
The festival includes activities and shows across multiple stages including performances by South Florida Ballet, the Moving Music Museum, John Paul Jebian ASL Storytelling, African Watoto Dance Theatre, Miami Lighthouse Youth Music Program, South Florida Center for Percussive Arts, Community Arts Program, and DJ sets by DJ Zelda.
Festival goers can visit an immersive experience, Jen Clay’s “Eyes of the Skin,” a mental health-inspired artistic video game and installation where players navigate through a forest filled with tree-like creatures and role-play different scenarios, in The Black Box Theater.
In addition, there will be an outdoor rock-climbing wall and an inflatable obstacle course on the Backyard Lawn with food vendors. Visit the website for a comprehensive program schedule.
The AKI Family Arts Festival also hosts an art exhibit featuring original artwork created by children in grades Pre-K through 12 participating in the AKI District Wide Student Art Competition which asked students to read the book Whatever Comes Tomorrow, written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Mariona Cabassa, and address themes of inclusion, inner strength, and resilience through their artwork. The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony at the event.
The Festival offers a wide range of accommodations to help make the arts accessible to the public. Accommodations and access technology include:
- ASL interpretation
- Assistive listening
- Noise cancelling headsets
- Closed captions
- Large print
- Braille
- Audio description
- Sensory-inclusive performances
- Quiet room
As part of the sensory-inclusive Main Stage performances, slight adjustments have been made, including reduced sound levels, no flashing or strobe lights, and minimal special effects. To assist audiences in feeling comfortable and prepared for their visit to The Moss Center, a social narrative is available in PDF format.
The AKI Family Arts Festival is presented by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs with support from The Children’s Trust. The All Kids Included Family Arts Festival is recommended for all ages and all levels of abilities, and no tickets are required. For more information, visit MossCenter.org or call 786-573-5300.
All Kids Included – Accessible Arts Experiences for Kids, an initiative of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, promotes inclusive arts and cultural programs in school settings and throughout the community enabling kids of all abilities and their families to participate fully in the arts, funded in part through a grant provided by The Children’s Trust. The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.
Host Michael Miller speaks with Frank Calderon of Miami Dade Solid Waste
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The Everglades Foundation Launches ‘Everglades Stories,’ Documenting Unique Experiences of People Across Everglades
What do a teacher from Orlando, a fishing guide from Islamorada and a realtor from Naples have in common? They each value the Everglades and have a story to share about their connection to this ecosystem.
The Everglades Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its latest initiative, “Everglades Stories from Across the Watershed,” a captivating series of 20 short videos documenting the diverse and compelling stories of individuals living in different regions across the Everglades watershed. The project aims to showcase the profound ways in which people connect with the Everglades while shedding light on the impact of environmental degradation and the importance of restoration projects on their day-to-day lives.
Through “Everglades Stories,” viewers will embark on a visual journey, exploring the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives from a variety of Floridians. Each video provides a unique glimpse into the lives of individuals who have been profoundly influenced by the Everglades ecosystem. From a fishing guide to a scientist, from a photographer to a park ranger, the stories represent a broad cross-section of voices that exemplify the interconnectedness between people and the Everglades.
The initiative’s webpage features an interactive map of Florida, allowing visitors to click on different regions and delve into the captivating narratives shared by the featured individuals. This immersive experience enables viewers to develop a deeper understanding of the multifaceted relationship between the Everglades and its communities.
“Everglades Stories showcases the diverse range of individuals whose lives are intertwined with the Everglades ecosystem,” said Begoñe Cazalis, Director of Communications at The Everglades Foundation. “Through these personal narratives, we aim to foster a greater appreciation for the Everglades and its significance in our daily lives. We hope other Floridians see themselves in these stories and are inspired to learn more about how Everglades restoration helps them.”
To extend the reach of these captivating stories, the videos will also be shared across various social media channels, allowing for broader engagement and awareness of the importance of the Everglades ecosystem. The Everglades Foundation encourages viewers to follow along and join the conversation by sharing their own #EvergladesStories.
Watch to the “Everglades Stories” official trailer here.
ABOUT THE EVERGLADES FOUNDATION: The Everglades Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to restoring and protecting the Everglades through science, advocacy, and education. Since its founding in 1993 by a group of outdoor enthusiasts, The Everglades Foundation has become a respected and important advocate for the sustainability of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. For more information, please visit EvergladesFoundation.org.