Genting Group unveils $3 billion Resorts World Miami master plan

By

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November 22, 2011

By Tadd Schwartz….

One of the most prized pieces of waterfront land in Florida will soon come alive with Resorts World Miami, a destination resort featuring iconic skyscrapers sporting designs inspired by a coral reef and serving as the centerpiece of a new three-mile Baywalk that will activate the city’s waterfront.

Resorts World Miami, which represents a $3 billion investment by Genting Group, comprises approximately 10 million square feet of mixed-use development, making it one of the largest development projects in Florida history.

“Resorts World Miami will accelerate Florida’s evolution as a global destination at the crossroads of the Americas,” said Mr. KT Lim, chair and chief executive of Genting. “Most importantly, Resorts World Miami will boost confidence in Florida’s economy, 30,000 permanent positions on an ongoing basis, attracting more inbound investment, and substantially increasing the tax base for the city, county and state.”

Rising from 13.9 acres of bayfront land currently housing the Miami Herald Media Company, Resorts World Miami is located in the heart of the city of Miami, midway between Miami International Airport and Miami Beach.

“Resorts World Miami introduces a new vocabulary of architecture to Florida, one that is inspired by the ocean and Florida’s coral reefs,” said Bernardo Fort-Brescia, co-founder and principal of Arquitectonica, the world-renown architecture firm based in Miami.
“At Resorts World Miami, building designs echo familiar forms that are part of our identity, including tropical fish and seashells. When you describe Miami and Florida, you inevitably come back to the water. We have captured that relationship with Resorts World Miami’s design.”
Resorts World Miami includes a series of four hotels with a total of 5,200 rooms and two residential towers featuring 1,000 units. The towers take on sculptural forms that change from every perspective. Each building is designed with outside balconies adorned with LED-lit exteriors, creating a jewel-like effect that will illuminate the Miami skyline each night. The Destination Resort will include a super-luxury hotel, a contemporary hotel, a convention hotel, and a family hotel, offering a lodging option for each segment of the market.

The towers sit atop an eight-story podium where guests can immerse themselves in a double-story, 250,000-square-foot luxury retail galleria; more than 50 restaurants, lounges, bars and nightclubs; a high-tech multimedia entertainment area showcasing the music and culture of Florida and South America, and 700,000 square feet of convention and meeting space which includes a 200,000-square-foot column-free ballroom, the largest in the United States.

A casino may be included if appropriate legislation is approved.

Each level of Resorts World Miami is designed with outdoor terraces offering spectacular unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay, downtown Miami and Miami Beach.

The podium’s rooftop features a 3.6-acre outdoor lagoon — a size equivalent to 12 Olympic-size swimming pools — and natural sand beaches that will enable guests to swim from Biscayne Boulevard to the edge of Biscayne Bay, a distance of more than 1,000 feet. Each hotel also will have a private swimming pool.

Resorts World Miami will be the highlight of a three-mile Baywalk beginning at the Miami River and running north to Margaret Pace Park. The Baywalk will link Bayfront Park, Bayside Market Place, AmericanAirlines Arena, Museum Park, the Miami Art Museum currently under construction, the new Miami Science Museum currently under design, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Omni Center. All will be connected by new public spaces and pedestrian, jogging, and cycling paths that will activate this stretch of partially completed Miami waterfront.

Resorts World Miami has been designed — and will be constructed — in accordance with all applicable zoning codes and regulations, including Miami 21, the City of Miami’s comprehensive zoning code. The project has been conceived with an emphasis on sustainability and LEED-certified solutions, including three levels of below-grade parking.

The Genting Group has a 25-year track record of investing in the United States. Its history of investment in Florida started 12 years ago when it acquired Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and spent more than $5 billion building eight new ships and transforming NCL into the youngest and most innovative cruise line. The Genting Group currently owns 50 percent of NCL.

Genting also partnered with Florida-based Universal Studios to build and open the $5.5 billion Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore last year, which includes a Universal Studios theme park. Within a year, Resorts World Sentosa became the world’s most successful destination resort.

“Resorts World Miami is a continuation of the Genting Group’s long history of investing in Florida and working with the state’s business community,” Lim added. “We are fully committed to develop Resorts World Miami to maximize the impact of this destination resort on Florida’s economy. Our goal is to create Resorts World Miami as the most successful destination resort in the Americas.”

For more information about the Genting Group, visit online at www.genting.com.

Thalatta Estate: A plan that needs more consideration

By

Eugene Flinn - Mayor of Palmetto Bay

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November 21, 2011

By Eugene Flinn….

I believe the village council is wrong to spend $1 million in reserves on Thalatta Estate — a park that I proudly proclaimed to put the “Bay” back in Palmetto Bay at the 2005 State of the Village address.

Thalatta Estate, which was purchased in 2005 at nearly no cost to village taxpayers through millions in grant moneys intended for a public park, is now at risk of being repurposed from an open park for the general public to a rental event venue. We received over $3.6 million from the Florida Communities Trust alone.

The council has no business plan as of this date, but wants to rush forward with this ambition plan, pushed by the current Mayor Shelley Stanczyk, who was quoted in the Miami Heraldas stating that “We have a valuable asset to bring income into our coffers that doesn’t come off the back of our residents.”

Wrong. Spending $1 million in reserves is placing this “asset” squarely on the backs of the taxpaying residents as well as the fact that the village will be forced to remove this “asset” farther away from the general population and into the limited hands of those who can afford the privilege of renting. Rentals grant exclusive possession to the payee at the expense of open park space.

Note that rental estimates discussed have been for costs up to $7,000 for just the site itself. This is just the startup fee, not including tables and chairs, linens, catering, security and car valet services for each event.

Wedding events do not subsidize your county tax burdens at county parks such as Vizcaya, Deering Estate, Greynolds Park or any other numerous county parks. Events at Pinecrest Gardens are not reducing Pinecrest taxes. Rental events help defray the costs of the asset, but they are not money generators and it is foolish to think that Palmetto Bay could ever net out $200,000 to $500,000 per year to, as the mayor puts it, “bring income into our (Palmetto Bay’s) coffers.”

The current Palmetto Bay budget has projected revenues of $70,000 for this coming budget year. That is based upon nearly 24 expected events on the property as it currently exists. This is money in, not net profit.

There are significant expenses for putting on these events. Even if the number of events reached two each weekend, the net revenue would never reach a level that you would see any savings on your tax dollars. Again, events defray costs to taxpayers, never realizing a profit for the taxpaying public.

Besides, is the purpose of government really to go into a profit making business? I would say the business of this Palmetto Bay government should be to provide free access to the bay for its residents of all ages, with revenue events scheduled to help defray the costs. Rentals should be ancillary, not the primary purpose of this great public free (for now) asset.

As part of the original council, the village leadership worked very hard to save money for emergencies. We wanted to not fall into the same fiscal ruts of other traditional governments. I am proud that we saved over $9.5 million in less than eight years, especially impressive when you consider that we paid the county up to $1.7 million per year in mitigation fees for the first 84 months and specialized police services of up to $380,000, or part up for the first five years.

It was hard work to both upgrade services and save $9.5 million, so forgive me if I get a bit touchy about what I see as illadvised spending in the very first budget completed by this new village council, spending down $1.5 million of hardfought reserves, reversing eight years of policy of saving.

This is just their first budget with no announced major grants to mitigate the costs of projects obtained this last year by this current council. What will happen; will we see reserves decline in coming years? Will taxes go up?

The ambitious, but ill-advised plans for Thalatta Estate should be put off for now and not passed unless approved through a transparent public parks master plan process.

Eugene Flinn is the founding Mayor of Palmetto Bay, having served from 2002 until term limited in 2010.

DJ Irie makes appearance at Kendale Lakes’ BankAtlantic

By

Community Newspapers

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November 21, 2011

By Jodi Goldstein….

DJ Irie P1 — BankAtlantic “Celebrity Banker” DJ Irie spins tunes at BankAtlantic’s Kendale Lakes Branch on Nov 4.

DJ Irie, the official deejay for the Miami Heat, brought his incredibly creative vibe to Kendale Lakes when he appeared as a “Celebrity Banker” at BankAtlantic’s Kendale Lakes Branch on Friday, Nov. 4.

Recently named Brand Ambassador for BankAtlantic, DJ Irie greeted customers from noon to 1 p.m. at the BankAtlantic branch, located at 8701 SW 137 Ave. in Kendall.

As part of its “Celebrity Banker” program, BankAtlantic is planning for a number of local celebrities to visit various locations throughout the year. In visiting the banks, customers will have an opportunity to meet a local celebrity — whether it’s an entertainment artist like DJ Irie, or other leaders of industry and the community.

Other celebrities who already have appeared at BankAtlantic branches include former Miami Dolphin player Channing Crowder and musician and songwriter Willie Stewart of the band Third World. The celebrities also will have a chance to provide information on their own charities.

For more information, visit the website at www.BankAtlantic.com or a BankAtlantic branch nearest you.

‘Black Friday Ballon Drop’ at Southland Mall, Nov. 25

By

Robert Hamilton

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November 21, 2011

Southland Mall presents its third annual “Black Friday Balloon Drop” on Friday, Nov. 25, at 8 a.m.

The day after the Thanksgiving holiday is traditionally known as “Black Friday.” On that day, hundreds of balloons filled with store coupon offers, movie passes and mall gift cards will descend from the rafters in three separate locations inside the mall: Sears Wing, Center Court, and Macy’s Wing.

This year, the event will be sponsored by new radio partner ESPN Deportes, which will be broadcasting its morning shows live from the mall from 6 a.m. to noon. Come meet radio personalities Joe Pujala, Ernesto Amador, Jorge Ebro, Veronica Paysse, and Jose del Valle. Enjoy interactive games for the kids, prize giveaways and more.

“Southland is excited to present its third annual Black Friday Balloon Drop,” said Maggie Anzardo, marketing director at Southland Mall. “The Balloon Drop has become a tradition at the center and is held yearly on Black Friday, as a way of rewarding our shoppers during the holidays.”

And don’t forget to visit Santa. Families are invited to bring their children to take photos with Santa from Nov. 18 through Dec. 24 in the Sears Wing at Southland Mall.

Southland Mall, located on S. Dixie Highway (US1) at 205th Street in Cutler Bay, has more than 1 million square feet of gross leasable area. Southland houses over 100 specialty stores, including Macy’s, Sears, JCPenney, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Starbucks, a 16-Plex Regal Cinema and diverse Food Court.

For more information about Southland Mall, go to www.mysouthlandmall.com or call 305-235-8880.

Ivanna Alfonso adds artistic touch for wedding cakes

By

Gary Alan Ruse

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November 21, 2011

By Gary Alan Ruse….

Ivanna-1 — Ivanna Alfonso is pictured working on her Custom Cake Toppers.

Ivanna Alfonso is a South Florida wedding planner who has brought something new to her work by tapping into her art background. She creates customized bride and groom figures for the tops of wedding cakes.

“As a child I was very artistic and creative, always trying to make something or trying to sell something I had made,” Alfonso said. “I was extremely dedicated to using my talents and creative style whenever possible.

“This past November, we introduced our custom cake toppers and figures to the public. We started it as an idea and again put our creativity to the test as we spent months perfecting our figures until they were just right.”

Rather than generic bride and groom miniature dolls, Alfonso crafts sculptures that are whimsical likenesses of her clients, which adds a personal touch to the cakes.

The 24-year-old Alfonso, who lives in Miami Lakes, graduated from high school in 2005, got her AA degree from Miami Dade College, then transferred to Florida International University hoping to become an elementary school teacher. But after a year and a half she decided to try something different, changed her major and currently is finishing her degree in Hospitality Management and Event Planning.

But she already has launched her Oh My Gosh! Weddings and Events business and Custom Cake Toppers.

“I originally opened the business in 2008,” Alfonso said. “Both my sisters got married only one month apart, it was difficult to plan two weddings on a budget; every planner we looked at was extremely expensive and did not offer the packages we thought were helpful. After my sisters’ weddings I realized how much I enjoyed planning and helping them plan the most important day of their lives.”

Cassandra Lopez of Coral Gables was one of Alfonso’s clients, and thought the artist’s little figures were great.

“Ivanna’s custom wedding cake toppers are the perfect way to personalize yourself as a new couple,” Lopez said. “I was so happy to see how she brought our relationship to life by creating exact mini replicas of my husband and I. Needless to say our wedding cake was a real treat!”

Alfonso’s handmade products also are on eBay, Etsy and on her own website, and have been sold all over the country as well as Canada, Denmark and Australia. She also plans quinces, sweet 16s, birthdays, baby and bridal showers, graduations and other types of events.

Jennifer Henry, a recent bride in South Miami, was pleased with the outcome.

“OMG weddings planned and successfully executed my big day,” Henry said. “My husband and I were thrilled that we got a chance to really enjoy every second and not have to worry about any of the stresses because we had such an excellent planner. Ivanna’s charm and organization were a reflection of her work and we could not have been happier with the results.”

For more information, call 305-720-3869 or visit online at www.OMGWeddingsandEvents.com.

Magellan International navigating you through the lending process

By

Nancy Eagleton

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November 21, 2011

By Nancy Eagleton….

Magellan Maria Somarriba — Maria Somarriba, president and owner of Magellan International Mortgage Corporation

For homebuyers, the upside of the housing downturn is that a large amount of product is available at reduced prices and home loans are being offered at highly competitive rates.

Whether you are buying your first home, moving to a new house or condominium or purchasing a vacation property, to get the best rate on your mortgage you need a mortgage broker working in your best interest. Enter Maria Somarriba, president and owner of Magellan International Mortgage Corporation, located in Key Biscayne.

Because Somarriba does not work for any one bank, she and her knowledgeable team can shop dozens of lenders on your behalf to get the best loan placement.

“A reputable mortgage broker brings invaluable experience to the table, streamlining the entire process for the real estate agent and the buyer,” Somarriba said. “It’s better for the borrower to work with someone who can offer a wide choice of products and companies to choose from.

“By being knowledgeable about the marketplace and staying up-to-date about niche products that are available, I can offer clients competitive pricing, optimize the placement of loans and help them save money.”

After spending nine years in real estate development sales, Somarriba began her career in the mortgage industry in 1994. She established Magellan in 1998 and serves buyers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. She assists her clients with purchases, refinancing, home equity loans of credit, jumbo loans for luxury properties and second-home mortgages. She has closed more than 2,000 transactions, providing her clients with personalized service in a “boutique” environment.

“I can respond to clients and real estate agents in less than two hours, not three days,” Somarriba said. “More than 30 percent of my business comes from repeat clients and client referrals. That says a lot about the relationships that I have established in the industry.”

Somarriba pointed out that after the restructuring of the mortgage industry in 2008, the industry is “now clean.” Brokers must undergo background checks, meet stricter licensing requirements and operate more transparently.

“The industry went from 80,000 brokers in 2007 to approximately 30,000 brokers today, and is on its way to earning the respect it deserves,” Somarriba said. “Those brokers who had given the industry a bad name have been filtered through the credit and background checks, and now are inhibited by the higher cost to obtain and maintain a license.”

Somarriba sees promise in the housing market and said that transactions are closing fully.

“There is a great interest in Miami from foreign nationals coming from Mexico, Brazil and Central and South America. Many of the foreclosures and short sales have been absorbed in areas such as Key Biscayne and Brickell.”

For a consultation and more information, contact Magellan International Mortgage Corporation, 260 Crandon Blvd., Suite 9, Key Biscayne, at 305-361-2323.

Fashion Q & A with KR Personal Style

By

Kim Rodriguez

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November 21, 2011

By Kim Rodriguez….
What fall trends should I buy that are wearable for Miami?
Kim: Fall is always tricky in warm weather climates but you should definitely incorporate fall’s rich colors, textures and trends into your wardrobe. Start with the bootie. It is an essential piece that works with any outfit because it hits at the ankle and is the perfect boot for Miami. Color blocking is another trend that is an easy way to add some great Miami color into an otherwise darker color palette. When wearing this trend try to stick to just two colors. Black always works as one of these colors. Leather is also very big this fall. Instead of hot leather pants or coats try a short leather jacket or a skirt dress with leather trim detail.

How do I transition my spring/summer wardrobe into fall ready looks?
Kim: It is easy and affordable to update your fall look. Take your maxi dress or skirt and just throw on a scarf in a darker fall color palette then layer with a denim jacket, short blazer or cropped sweater. Your miniskirts or dresses will look good with fall tights and the bootie, or the oxford lace up. Any hem length in pants or skirts are fine for fall, but if you really want to always be Fall ready in Miami stay away from linen and go for a heavier cotton or light tropical wool bottom.

Kim Rodriguez is a personal stylist who has worked in the fashion industry in New York and Miami for over 15 years. She can be reached at 305-989-1671, or email Kim@KRpersonalstyle.com.
www.facebook.com/KRpersonalstyle.com

A new beginning

By

Pete de la Torre

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November 21, 2011

By Pete De La Torre….

With the advent of the recent recession, thousands of hard working people throughout South Florida and millions across the United States have experienced a major disruption in their professional and personal lives. This economic downturn has been a game changer for many of us.

As I go back through the years, I cannot remember a more challenging time than this. For most of us, we have been forced out of our “comfort zone” — or as I prefer to say, “the familiar zone” — to an unknown world full of doubt and uncertainty. We stand at a crossroads, needing to make a decision as to which road to take, unsure of where it will lead. This, my friends, is where courage, faith and determination take on a whole new meaning. At this point we either grow or go; it’s in our hands.

The good news is that right before us, whether we realize it or not, is our chance for a new beginning, an opportunity to make a life-altering decision that in many ways may just end up being our finest hour. With an open mind and a fresh outlook, we can begin the process of reinventing ourselves toward new ventures and, ultimately, a better life for ourselves and our families.

At this point, it is imperative that we take time to reflect, plan and think out of the box on new ways to achieve our lifelong dreams. During this period make sure you hold nothing back. Dream the big dreams; create your vision for the rest of your life. Ask yourself the big question, “What do I really want?” If you had no restrictions, what have I always wanted to do, to be?

In many ways consider yourselves fortunate that the recent woes you have encountered have indeed been a blessing in disguise. Listen to what I’m saying now; there is no time to feel sorry for yourself or to whine about how difficult things might be. There is an old saying I heard a few years ago: Pain is inevitable, misery is optional! Make up your mind to stand tall and take bold steps for taking charge of your future.

All of us have something special to offer — a special set of skills, knowledge, expertise — that sets us apart. Take time to discover what that is and as soon as you are clear without any hesitation, boldly go out and make it happen. This is the time, a new beginning for the rest of your life.

Pete De La Torre is president/CEO of the Renatus Group, an organization that specializes in reinventing business opportunities through consulting, business facilitation and training. He may be contacted at 305-490-2348 or by sending email to pete@renatusgroupfl.com.

Palmetto High students gain top scholastic honors

By

Nancy Eagleton

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November 21, 2011

By Nancy Eagleton….

PT-Palmetto-MeritScholars 2a — Pictured are Palmetto Senior High School National Merit Scholarship semifinalists (front row l-r) Ellora Sarkar, Alyssa Rosenfeld and Olga Shestopalova; (back row l-r) Joshua Ascherman, James Choi, Albert Liu and Yang Liu. Not pictured is Nathan Harris.

Eight Palmetto Senior High School students were selected as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for the class of 2012. The eight seniors are Joshua Ascherman, James Choi, Nathan Harris, Albert Liu, Yang Liu, Alyssa Rosenfeld, Ellora Sarkar and Olga Shestopalova.

The award honors students who excel on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The students now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $34 million that will be offered in the spring.

At the same time, Palmetto High School seniors Kara Post and Kristen Coke were named semifinalists in the 2012 National Achievement Scholarship Program, an academic competition for black high school students. Only about 1,600 students across the country are named semifinalists. These students now have an opportunity to advance in the competition for National Achievement Scholarships.

Eleven other Palmetto seniors were recognized by the National Hispanic Recognition Program, which identifies academically wellprepared Hispanic high school students to subscribing colleges and universities. They are Samantha Agron, Jack Danon, Andrew Doobay, Monica Dyches, Andrew Salazar, Edward Santos, Tatiana Schaefer, Abraham Starosta, Jean-Alexander Turban, Marco Ybarz and Lina White.

Palmetto Senior High had six winners in the total of 50 in Florida receiving the National Council of Teachers of English 2011 Achievement Award in Writing. Only one other student in all of Miami-Dade County was recognized with this award. The six students are Samantha Agron, Kevin Gerson, Nathan Harris, Britta Hallebo, Ari Kalfus and Ellora Sarkar. They were honored at a school ceremony on Oct. 17.

Di Napoli Italian Restaurant: Good food at good prices

By

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

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November 18, 2011

By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld….

Di Napoli 016 — Rocco Di Martino and his mother, Maria Di Martino, find joy in owning and managing Di Napoli Italian Restaurant.

It’s Saturday night and you are in the mood for Italian food. If you are looking for good food and a good price, Di Napoli Italian Restaurant should fit the bill.

Di Napoli has the real traditional dinners like eggplant parmesan, lasagna and chicken cacciatore. The restaurant originally opened in Suniland but moved to its current location 11755 S. Dixie Hwy. in 1993. Over the years, they have installed the wood fired ovens and added pizzas to the menu.

“I always wanted to make it bigger and we always wanted to add pizza,” said owner Rocco Di Martino. “We were able to stay in the area.”

The restaurant does good business, even in an economic slowdown.

“Di Napoli is doing well. Summer usually is slower but this summer we were busier,” he said. “Weekends we get packed.”

The secret to their success?

“We are very consistent. The sauce is always the same,” Di Martino said.

The portions also are generous, ensuring leftovers to take home and enjoy another day.

Di Martino’s family is from Italy, although he was born in Germany and lived there for many years.

“We came to this country from Germany when I was 13,” he said.

When the Di Martino family arrived in 1973, they purchased La Pampa, a restaurant on 27th Avenue in Miami.

“It was Argentinean when we bought it, then we added Italian food,” he said.

They ran that restaurant for many years, but closed it due to a changing neighborhood.

“I saw the area declining, I started looking in this [Pinecrest] area. I found the place where the first Di Napoli was. They had closed down,” he said.

That location was in Suniland in the space where Sir Pizza now is open.

“We opened the Di Napoli in ’87. We were there until ’93 and then we opened the Di Napoli where we are now. Then we added the pizza.”

Customer Nancy Hartner dines regularly at Di Napoli because she loves the food, especially the wood fired pizza.

“Di Napoli is a family type restaurant,” she said. “I like it because its family style. I go there with a group of four to six people and it’s one of those places where you can sit and chat and laugh. The atmosphere is easy and you’re going to see a lot of people you know there.”

Hartner not only loves the food and the atmosphere, but the desserts.

“My mother made a mission in her life of trying chocolate cake. In every restaurant she’s been in she ordered chocolate cake,” Hartner said. “She announced in Di Napoli ‘this is the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had!’”

Hartner’s mother lived until her 70s so she had the opportunity to try many, many chocolate cakes.

Hartner also loves Di Napoli’s prices.

“I can get in and out of Di Napoli within $15,” she said. “Di Napoli is easy on the pocket.”

That’s probably why Di Napoli does a thriving delivery business. Deliveries start at 5 p.m.

Reservations are not needed but they do like prior notice of parties of six or more. For more information, call 305-255-0331.

Captured trio reduces WK burglary activity

By

Richard Yager

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November 18, 2011

By Richard Yager….

Hammocks Cops (2) — Pictured are Miami-Dade Police Hammocks District Capt. Hernan Oranvidez and CAC chair James Blough honoring Detectives Devon Dolam, Charles Castillo, Humberto Tabares; Officer Jose DeLeon, Det. Victor Millian, and Officer Olenka Ryan. (Not pictured are Detectives Michael Barrios and Jason Marshall.)

A trio of would-be burglars wound up in jail following an on-the-spot investigation by a team of eight Miami-Dade Police Hammocks District detectives and officers, emphasizing a continuing effort to reduce home break-ins in West Kendall.

“Home burglaries represent the only area in which we’ve experienced an increase in crime in the district during 2011, up 5 percent as compared to a year ago,” said Capt. Hernan M. Organvidez, acting district commander.

Typical of increasing vigilance to stop home burglaries, a special force of Hammocks police answered a call in the 15000 block of SW 115th Terrace on Sept. 26 when a “concerned citizen” reported a dark blue BMW occupied by three males suspiciously “casing the neighborhood.”

Responding officers who reached the residence spotted the parked car in a driveway in time to begin questioning one suspect and noticed a damaged yard gate at the home, appearing opened by force.

According to a letter of citation, while holding the first suspect, officers saw a second emerge from the rear of the residence, calling out in Spanish, “Please don’t arrest me; we were going to burglarize the home but did not get to enter.” A third subject was then corralled after his getaway attempt by leaping a fence.

The Hammocks team apprehended all three suspects, securing a screwdriver and gloves from one trying to conceal the items.
The investigation and follow-up resulted in three subjects being charged with burglary as well as possible involvement in several home invasions and residential burglaries throughout Miami-Dade County, according to Capt. Organvidez.

“Due to the teamwork and dedication to duty, three violent offenders were apprehended, possibly preventing further burglaries within Hammocks District,” he concluded.

Special commendations presented by Hammocks Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) chair James Blough as October 2011 Officers of the Month during a CAC meeting on Oct. 26 honored Detectives Devon Dolam, Charles Castillo, Humberto Tabares, Victor Millian, Michael Barrios, Jason Marshall, and Officers Olenka Ryan and Jose DeLeon.

Team Evangeline joins ‘Light the Night Walk’

By

Raquel Garcia

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November 18, 2011

By Raquel Garcia….

Team Evangeline 8180 — Members of Team Evangeline from Cutler Bay pose together after the “Light the Night Walk” at Bayfront Park.

The Nieves family and friends raised more than $7,000 to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s “Light the Night Walk” on Nov. 3 at Bayfront Park.

Parents of Evangeline Nieves, Jason and Lisa, became involved in the not-for-profit organization after 5-year-old daughter Evangeline was diagnosed with leukemia last year. The family is doing wonderfully thanks in part to an incredible outpouring of support from the Cutler Bay community.

Mom Lisa is happy to report that Evangeline is in remission and her prognosis is excellent.

“This fundraising is way beyond anything we could have imagined; the support has been tremendous,” Lisa said. “We are so grateful to everyone who made it possible. Thank you!”

Genting Group unveils $3 billion Resorts World Miami master plan

Thalatta Estate: A plan that needs more consideration

DJ Irie makes appearance at Kendale Lakes’ BankAtlantic

‘Black Friday Ballon Drop’ at Southland Mall, Nov. 25

Ivanna Alfonso adds artistic touch for wedding cakes

Magellan International navigating you through the lending process

Fashion Q & A with KR Personal Style

A new beginning

Palmetto High students gain top scholastic honors

Di Napoli Italian Restaurant: Good food at good prices

Captured trio reduces WK burglary activity

Team Evangeline joins ‘Light the Night Walk’

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