Miami celebrates the 4th of July!!!!!

 

This year, the choices for a fun Independence Day are better than ever. No matter what your speed, there are celebrations for you. Here is a list of some of the more popular places to see the rocket's red glare. If you're considering having your own backyard fireworks celebration, be sure to brush up on Florida fireworks law before you do so!

• America's Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park: Enjoy live multicultural music while eating delicious food from one of the many booths. Stay until dark for the fireworks, the highlight of the celebration. While most spectacular here in the ampitheatre, the display should be visible throughout most of downtown and over the water. The festival begins at 3PM and concludes with fireworks at 9PM. The Bayside Ampitheatre is located at 301 Biscayne Blvd in downtown Miami. For more information, call (305) 358-7550.
• City of Miami Beach Fourth of July Celebration: This is a truly unique, touching demonstration of our independence. Beginning at 7:00 PM, music will bring the crowd to its feet. Fireworks will start at 9:00 PM. I can't think of a more patriotic or more purely Miami way to celebrate! Festivities will be on the beach at 8th Street and Ocean Drive. For more information, call the Miami Beach Tourism Center at (305) 673-7400.
• Old Fashioned July Fourth at The Barnacle: Celebrate the Fourth the old-fashioned way at Miami's first house still standing on its original ground. Open from 11 AM - 4 PM, the Monroe House will be opened to visitors for tours. There will be children's activities, kite-making, and knot demonstrations, among other period-inspired activities. You're invited to bring a picnic lunch or purchase food on site, but you should make other dinner plans: there are no fireworks at this celebration, Barnacle State Historic Site is located in the heart of the Grove at 3485 Main Highway. Call the Historical Society at (305) 442-6866 for more information.
• Peacock Park Fireworks in Coconut Grove: If you spend the day at the Barnacle, why not cap it off with fireworks at Peacock Park? The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a celebration that will feature food trucks, live music, a children's play area and an evening fireworks celebration starting at 9PM. For more details, call (305) 444-7270.
• Key Biscayne Fourth of July Parade: It's a good old-fashioned parade in Key Biscayne this Independence Day! This Key Biscayne tradition features floats, music and fireworks. The parade begins along Crandon Boulevard at 11AM. For more information, see the Key Biscayne Fourth of July website.
• City of Homestead Concert and Fireworks: For those in southern Miami-Dade County, the Homestead Miami Speedway is also hosting an Independence Day festival and fireworks show. The festival runs from 6-10PM and will feature entertainment, food and music with a fireworks show. For more, call the City of Homestead Department of Parks and Recreation at (305) 224-4570.
• Fort Lauderdale Fourth of July Celebration: If you're looking to travel up north a bit, Fort Lauderdale is hosting the City of Fort Lauderdale Fourth of July Spectacular at A1A and Las Olas. The celebration begins at 1PM with family activities including a DJ and beach games. Music will continue throughout the evening with fireworks on the beach at 9PM. For more information, contact the City of Fort Lauderdale at (954) 828-5363.

July 4th Fireworks Celebration!

Date: 7/4/2013

Cost: Free admission

Location: Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Avenue
Coral Gables , Florida 33134

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Colorful fireworks will fill the night skies over Coral Gables this July 4th. The City of Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel, University of Miami and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, along with several corporate citizens, have collaborated to sponsor this year's event. The celebration will include a special concert by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band, concessions, patriotic mascots, and a spectacular fireworks display. Rhiannon Ally the current co-anchor of “CBS4 This Morning” and “CBS4 News at Noon” will act as Master of Ceremonies at this year's Independence Day celebration.

When: Thursday, July 4th. Grounds open at 5 p.m., live concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Where: Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue.

Parking: The City will offer free parking and continuous shuttle service throughout the evening to and from the Biltmore Hotel. Shuttle service begins at 5 p.m. from the following locations. Please note: The last shuttle will depart for the fireworks at 8:30 p.m. Click on each location below for more information:

• University of Miami – Ponce garage and BankUnited Center surface lot
• Coral Gables Youth Center – 405 University Drive
• Garage 4 - 345 Andalusia Avenue

There will be refreshments available for purchase.
Fireworks (including sparklers), smoking, grills, pets, tents, glass containers and weapons are NOT allowed at the event.

City of Coral Gables News!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2013

Celebrate July 4th With The City Beautiful:
Join Us For A Spectacular Evening Of Music,
Food & Fireworks @ Biltmore Hotel

This July 4th, residents and visitors are invited to come out to enjoy another colorful fireworks celebration that will light-up the skies over the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. The City, the Biltmore Hotel, University of Miami, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, and corporate citizens: 396 Alhambra, HBO Latin America plus several others have come together to help sponsor this historic and patriotic event. “We had an extraordinary event last July 4th and we’re thrilled to be able to collaborate with the Biltmore Hotel and businesses to make this wonderful event happen again this year,” said Mayor Jim Cason.

This year’s celebration, free to the general public, will begin at 5 p.m. and will include a special concert by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band at 7 p.m., concessions, patriotic mascots, and the fireworks show will begin promptly at 9 p.m. Additionally, Rhiannon Ally the current co-anchor of “CBS4 This Morning” and “CBS4 News at Noon” will act as Master of Ceremonies at this year's Independence Day celebration.
Event Parking: The City will offer free parking and continuous shuttle service throughout the evening to and from the Biltmore Hotel. Shuttle service begins at 5 p.m. from the following locations. (Please note: The last shuttle will depart for the fireworks at 8:30 p.m.) Click on each location below for more information:
University of Miami: Ponce garage & BankUnited Center surface lot

Coral Gables Youth Center: 405 University Drive

City Garage 4: 345 Andalusia Avenue
For more information about the event, click here.

• • •

Italian Trade Commission Set
to Open & Expand in Coral Gables

Coral Gables welcomes a newcomer to its consular community this September. The Italian Trade Commission is relocating its Southeastern headquarters from Atlanta to Coral Gables, expanding its formerly smaller South Florida presence that has been serving the area since 2005. The expanded operation will facilitate economic development, trade delegations, and support services for Italian and foreign companies in South Florida. Their office will join the Consulate General of Italy’s office at 4000 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite 590.
“We are very pleased to be opening a completely autonomous office in Coral Gables,” said Fabrizio Giustarini, Italian Trade Commission, Trade Promotion Section of the Consulate General of Italy. “This regional office will be strengthened through the addition of more personnel as well as the presence of a new Director, who will be joining us from our headquarters in Rome, Italy.”
Coral Gables has long been recognized as a hub for corporations, multinationals and consulate offices. In fact, the City is home to 21 foreign consulates and government offices that serve the needs of a diverse and international population, representing a variety of countries located in Central and South America, Europe and countries as far away as Asia. “We’re proud to be host City to a great number of consulates and foreign offices,” said Mayor Jim Cason. “With a large multinational base and diverse population, having the consulate offices provides convenient support for our community and adds to the City’s international appeal. We welcome the Italian Trade Commission as a vital part of the cultural and economic fabric of the City.” To learn more about the Italian Trade Commission, click here.

• • •

Free Admission For Seniors & Youth
For Play "Rated P For Parenthood"

Beginning this Saturday, June 22, seniors and youth living in Coral Gables can reserve free tickets, on a first-come, first-served basis, for the musical “Rated P For Parenthood” chronicling the 21st century joys and frustrations of raising children, from bleary-eyed late night feedings and private school kindergarten interviews, to nail-biting driving lessons and prom night. The free admission is for the July 10 and July 11, 8 p.m. performances at the Miracle Theatre, located at 280 Miracle Mile. The free ticket offer is part of the lease agreement between the City of Coral Gables and its tenant, Actors' Playhouse, an idea proposed by City Manager Pat Salerno. Residents (ages 60 and over and under 18 years of age accompanied by one parent) must come in person to the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, to be placed on a reservation list after showing proof of residency and age. Tickets will then be available at the Playhouse's will-call window prior to each performance. There is a limit of 50 free admissions for each performance, based on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are limited to two per household. Free admission for additional upcoming plays will be announced at later dates. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Division at 305-460-5600.

• • •

Coral Gables Residents Invited
To Free Lecture On Sleep Disorders
As part of the 20-year Development Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami, Coral Gables residents are invited to attend the following “Meet The Docs” lecture presentation on Tuesday, June 25, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Newman Alumni Center on the Coral Gables campus. “Get a Good Night’s Sleep: A Brown Bag Lunch and Learn” session is presented by Ashwin Mehta, assistant professor of clinical medicine and medical director of integrative medicine at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Mehta will discuss sleep and sleep disorders and provide tips on how to get a good night’s sleep. Seating is limited. To register for this event, click here.

• • •

Venetian Pool Receives Gold
International Aquatic Safety Award

Congratulations to the staff at our own Venetian Pool for being awarded the Gold International Aquatic Safety Award by international aquatic safety consultants Ellis & Associates. Each year, the Venetian Pool receives four randomly conducted audits to evaluate their aquatic safety and risk management operations. The audit observes individual lifeguard attentiveness in a simulated emergency situation and an evaluation of facility supervisors and rescue equipment. The Venetian Pool lifeguard staff has so far exceeded all standards demonstrating a real commitment to professional excellence and scoring in the top 30 percent of the audit criteria. If you’re planning on cooling down this summer and take a swim, you can be assured that our lifeguards will offer you the highest degree of swimmer protection at the Venetian Pool.

• • •

Coral Gables Chamber Hosts Annual Goals Conference

Every year, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual planning conference at the historic Biltmore Hotel. This two-day event, held on June 27-28, brings together leaders of the business community to plan for the upcoming year and help businesses succeed. The conference opens with the sixth annual George E. Merrick Award of Excellence reception and dinner the evening of Thursday, June 27 at 6:30 p.m. The Friday, June 28 program schedule of workshops and presentations revolves around this year’s theme to “Think Big!” challenging participants to apply the 5 “I”s: Impact, Innovation, Information, Involvement and Inspiration. For more information, call 305-446-1657 or click here.

• • •

Disco Night To Benefit Coral Gables Elementary

This year marks the 90th anniversary of Coral Gables Elementary School and a series of events will celebrate this important milestone. Alumni, school supporters and residents are invited to shake their groove thing at the Donna Summertime Disco Dance Party scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 8 p.m. at the Coral Gables Museum Fewell Gallery, 285 Aragon Avenue. Disco balls, lighted dance floors, disco personalities and a totally 80s deejay will make for one cool, hot summer night at the Museum. Tickets are $25 and proceeds benefit the upcoming Coral Gables Elementary School’s 90th Anniversary Exhibit at the Museum this fall. For more information, call 305-603-8067.

• • •

Remember The “Five Ds” For Mosquito Control

With the recent downpours in the area and the expected rainy season, mosquitoes will become a part of the summer nuisance for all of us. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as the West Nile virus and dengue fever, so it’s important to protect yourself and your family from these pesky insects. Remember that any standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. To guard against the harm that mosquitoes can cause, remember the following “Five Ds”:

• Dusk and Dawn: avoid the outdoors when mosquitoes are most active;
• Dress: cover most of your skin with long pants and sleeves, shoes and socks;
• Drain: Get rid of any standing water in flower pots, pet dishes, bottles, garbage cans, gutters or other water collectors;
• DEET: use repellents containing up to 30 percent of DEET.

Residents experiencing a mosquito nuisance can contact Miami-Dade County’s Mosquito Control at 311 to report a problem. Complaints are serviced by the county either by truck spraying, aerial spraying or by site inspections.

Hollywood, FL Events - ArtsPark at Young Circle

http://www.visithollywoodfl.org/events.aspx

 

ARTWALK
Downtown Hollywood
Third Saturday of the month • 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Look over the shoulder of an artist painting and visit the art galleries and businesses showcasing local, regional and international artwork during ArtWalk every 3rd Saturday of the month.

Information: 954-924-2980 or click here for details.

FOOD TRUCKS AT ARTSPARK
ArtsPark at Young Circle
Every Monday • 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Bring your chairs, bring your blankets and of course bring your appetite! Select from over 20 different food trucks. FREE admission. Menu prices vary.

Information: www.MiamiFoodTrucks.com

FUNTASTIC FRIDAYS FOR KIDS
ArtsPark at Young Circle
Every Friday • 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The best FREE family social event in town featuring a bounce house, face painters & more!

Information: 954-921-3500

ARTSPARK MOVIE NIGHT
ArtsPark at Young Circle
Every Friday • 8:00 p.m.

A FREE family friendly flick each week. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair.

June 21: Grease - PG
June 28: 101 Dalmations - PG
July 5: A League of Their Own - PG
July 12: My Big Fat Greek Wedding - PG
July 19: The Goonies - PG
July 26: Babe - G
August 2: Mr. Holland's Opus - PG
August 9: Rise of the Guardians - PG
August 16: Beethoven - PG
August 23: Miracle - PG
August 30: Ice Age: Continental Drift - PG
September 6: The Princess Diaries - G
September 13: The Little Mermaid - G
September 20: Marley & Me - PG
September 27: Hotel Transylvania - PG
October 4: Casper - PG
October 11: Gremlins - PG
October 18: Beetlejuice - PG
October 25: NO MOVIE
November 1: Frankenweenie - PG
November 8: March of the Penguins - G
November 15: Fred Claus - PG
November 22: Home Alone - PG
November 29: NO MOVIE
December 6: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas - PG
December 13: Jingle All the Way - PG
December 20: Elf - PG
December 27: Uncle Buck

Future titles to be announced

Information: 954-921-3500

ARTSPARK LIVE!
ArtsPark at Young Circle
Every Saturday • 9:00 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.

Get your groove on at ARTSPARK LIVE!, a free concert series dedicated to showcasing South Florida's finest talent in the heart of Downtown Hollywood. Enjoy a variety of musical styles at the ArtsPark Amphitheater.

Upcoming dates/times to be announced.

Information: 954-921-3500

MUSIC & DANCING UNDER THE STARS
Hollywood Beach Theater
Every week • 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Dance on the Broadwalk or just enjoy the music. Year-round series features music ranging from easy listening to line dancing to blues, R&B and rock & roll to special theme nights.

Mondays: "Theatre Under the Stars"
Tuesdays: "Dancing Under the Moonlight"
Wednesdays: "On the Broadwalk"
Fridays: "Broadwalk Friday Fest"
Saturdays: "Beach Theatre Bandstand"

Click here for featured performers. Performances are subject to weather conditions.

Information: 954-921-3404

LIVE GLASSBLOWING DEMONSTRATIONS
ArtsPark at Young Circle
Every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday • 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Hollywood is home to the centuries old tradition of glassblowing at the ArtsPark in Downtown Hollywood. Master glassblowers perform live demonstrations in the glassblowing studio every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sit comfortably in the theater style viewing area and watch the glassblowers create vessels and sculptures from molten glass that is over 2,000 degrees. Expert artists use the same traditional process that has been around for centuries. There's also a gallery connected to the studio with the latest work on display and available for purchase. Classes for novice to advanced area available for individuals and groups of up to three people.

Information: 954-924-2980 or www.gbohf.com

Miami Events - June 2013 | miami.com

Miami Events - June 2013 | miami.com

Miami Events - June 2013

Exxxotica Expo 
May 31-June 2 
Where: Broward Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

www.exxxoticaexpo.com

Arguably the largest adult-themed consumer show in America, the Exxxotica Expo rolls into Miami yearly for a celebration of all things sexy. The expo also puts on star panel discussions by renowned members of the adult entertainment community, blush-inducing burlesque numbers and sex-ified game-show parodies

Summer Shorts Festival 
June 7-30 
Where: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
www.arshtcenter.org

Summer Shorts is a fun program of mini-plays with an incredible line-up of scripts penned by the country's best writers including City Theatre National Short Play Competition winners. 
 
Coral Gables Restaurant Week 
June 10-30 
Where: Various participating restaurants throughout Coral Gables. For complete list visit coralgablesrestaurantweek.com.

Revisit old favorites and discover new ones during Coral Gables Restaurant Week - this year extended to three weeks - with participating restaurants offering a three-course lunch and/or dinner menu with at least a 20% savings off the regular menu prices. Over 30 restaurants are participating in this year's event.

Out in the Tropics Performing Arts Festival June 13-16
Where: Various locations throughout Miami and Miami Beach. Information at http://www.fundarte.us

Out in the Tropics is a a performing arts series that brings a full rand of award-winning contemporary GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) artists and arts events to South Florida.

Redland Summer Fruit Festival 
June 15-16 
Where: Redlands Fruit & Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead; information at www.fruitandspicepark.org.

Enjoy the fruits of summer at Fruit & Spice Park's showcase of local agriculture and tropical fruits. Vendor booths will feature local wines, yummy foods, and rare fruit samplings.
 
Taste of the Caribbean 
June 26-30 
Where: Hyatt Regency Miami, 400 SE Second Ave., Miami; information at 
www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/events-taste/event-taste-about.php

Savor the best in Caribbean cuisine and attend workshops with leading chefs who will provide insider secrets at Taste of the Caribbean, a competition-style event that showcases the region's best chefs, mixologists, pastry chefs, food and beverage suppliers and provides education and inspiration through seminars, workshops, tastings and demonstrations.
 
American Black Film Festival 
June 19-23
Where: Various theaters throughout Miami. For more information visit www.abff.com.

Showing the latest and best Black films (shorts, features, documentary and unreleased) from around the world, plus panels, symposiums and other special events.

8cho - Tango Takes Flight! 
June 20-30
Where: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
www.arshtcenter.org

Dozens of aerialists, dancers and musicians will dangle from the rafters of the Ziff Ballet Opera House in this gravity-defying tango-infused show.

Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival
June 22
Where: Northwest Third Avenue between 9th and 11th streets. Information atovertownfestival.com.

The 3rd Annual Overtown Rhythm & Arts Festival is a musical celebration with artists like jazz chanteuse Nicole Henry, saxophone player Earnest Walker Jr., and many more along with the vivacious sounds of local church choirs. Enjoy the family fun activities as well as the southern cooking and Carribean flavors.

Burgers, Beer & BBQ Bash
June 29
Where: Historic Miami Circle, 401 Brickell Ave., Miami; tasteofbrickell.com

Sample creations by more than 20 local restaurants as they go head to head in this burger and barbecue competition. Participants can vote on their favorite dishes and pair their burger or barbecue with beer.

10 Things to do before a Hurricane

Hurricane season is officially under way, and if you live anywhere near the coast, that means it’s time to stock up on bottled water, batteries and non-perishable food. But those aren’t the only things you need to do before a hurricane approaches. The beginning of the season is a good time to review your hurricane plan and make sure all the pieces are in order.

Plus, your life is much easier if you make many of your preparations well before a storm approaches. Here are 10 things you need to do before a hurricane:

1. Know what risks your neighborhood faces. Are you in an evacuation zone? Will the streets flood? Will the neighborhood entrances and exits be blocked? Seek out this information at the beginning of hurricane season. Check the evacuation maps created by your city or county. If you’re new to the neighborhood, ask your neighbors what happened during the last big storm.

2. If you are in an evacuation zone, make a plan. Decide whether you’ll stay with a friend farther inland or drive to a hotel in another county. If someone in your family is elderly, handicapped or pregnant, a plan is even more important. Don’t forget to make a plan for your pets. Some cities have pet-friendly shelters, or you may be able to board your pets, but you’ll need to have proof of vaccinations ready.

3. Buy non-perishable food that you will eat. Don’t stock up on canned food you won’t eat if there isn’t a storm, but do have enough to feed your family for at least 72 hours. If you have a grill, make sure you have charcoal or gas so you can cook the food from your refrigerator. Fill plastic jugs with water and have an emergency supply of bottled water to drink after those jugs are gone. You need about a gallon per person per day. Remember pet food, and consider them when creating your water supply. A tip: Hurricane season is not the best time to stock your freezer.

4. Have a portable radio, powerful flashlights or lanterns and plenty of the right size batteries. A portable radio will help you follow the storm’s path and get advice from emergency personnel once the power goes out. You won’t believe how dark it can be with no city lights. A battery-powered fan can help keep you cooler. If you have a generator, fire it up to make sure it works and get a supply of gasoline if needed. You can also buy a battery-powered digital TV with antenna for less than $100. Portable TVs from before 2006 will no longer work.

5. Charge your cellphone, tablet, laptop computer and any other electronic devices. Then think about how you will make the charge last longer and recharge if the power stays out. Learn how to turn off apps so you can conserve your cellphone or tablet power. When a storm is bearing down on us, it’s too late to look at tutorials. A car charger and a solar charger or back-up battery for your cellphone are inexpensive and useful even when there isn’t a storm. While you can get more sophisticated equipment designed for camping that will charge your devices, you may not need it.

6. Get cash. If there is a widespread power failure, you won’t be able to go to the bank or ATM. Stores that can open without electricity may not take credit cards. You may also need cash to pay people to cut up fallen tree limbs or clear debris.

7. Fill your car with gas. Some gas stations have generators, but many do not. Plus, you may end up having to drive long distances to find open stores and restaurants.

8. Refill prescriptions. If the power goes out, doctor’s offices and pharmacies may be closed. Make sure you have basic over-the-counter drugs, too, including antihistamine, aspirin or antiseptic cream. If you have a baby, don’t forget diapers and formula.

9. Round up your old-school tools: manual can opener, matches, coffee filters and ground coffee if you have a gas stove or grill, paper plates and cups, hammer, screwdriver, pliers and duct tape. If you camp, dig those cans of Sterno and your camp stove out of the garage. If you have a land line, make sure you have at least one phone that works without electricity.

10. Gather important documents and back up computer data. If your home is damaged, you may not be able to retrieve your insurance policy from a sodden file box. Prepare a file of important document you’ll take with you if you evacuate. Set up backups of your computer data (cloud storage is ideal) well ahead of a storm, so you can back up quickly if needed. You may want to put copies of important documents on a flash drive or in the cloud for easy retrieval.