Transportation Available for CG & Where to Leave Your Own Wheels

By: Michelle Arean


Coral Gables City Parking Facilities:
Please Click here for a map of all local parking lots and garages: http://www.coralgables.com/CGWeb/documents/public_works_docs/ParkingFacilities.pdf

Coral Gables Central Business District: Municipal Parking Garages & Lots
Click here for map: http://www.coralgables.com/CGWeb/images/CGdevPkg.jpg



Public Transportation Available:

Coral Gables Trolley – free, vintage‐style trolley running weekdays as an internal circulator on Ponce de Leon Boulevard from the Douglas Road Metrorail station to S.W. 8th Street. (305‐460‐5070). 
Metro‐Dade Transit Agency buses (305‐770‐3131, Option 6) serve the Miami district, including Coral Gables. 

Two Metrorail stations (305‐770‐3131, Option 6) serve Coral Gables: the Douglas Station and the University Station. Also, there is a Tri‐Rail commuter train (1‐800‐874‐7245) that runs a 67‐mile track from Miami International Airport to West Palm Beach, which is connected to the Metrorail 

Coral Gables: A Business Hub

By: Michelle Arean



Founder of Coral Gables, George Merrick, predicted that Coral Gables would serve as a gateway to Latin America as early as 1925. Coral Gables is currently the regional headquarters for about 155 multinational companies. Many of these multinationals have moved to the area to service South and Central America, though several companies have expanded their bussinesses to serve other parts of the globe. The ease of international travel and multilingual and multicultrual professional staff in the area has made ideal. About 100 countries are served from corporate offices located in Coral Gables.

Top 25 Companies in Coral Gables:
# EMPLOYEES COMPANY
3,163 University of Miami
900 Bayview Financial Trading Group
795 The Biltmore Hotel
687 Doctors Hospital Baptist Health
687 City of Coral Gables
534 Dade County Public Schools (Several schools) Education
500 Baptist Health South Florida
487 Coral Gables Hospital
366 Commercebank
342 Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables
330 Bacardi U.S.A.
313 Del Monte Fresh Produce
280 Banco Mercantil Venezuela
248 Gables Engineering, Inc.
234 Yard House Restaurant
215 IBM Corporation
200 Univision Radio Florida
186 International Bank of Miami
168 Kindred Hospital S. Fla. C.Gables
165 Spillis Candela DMJM
150 Hyatt Regency Coral Gables
145 Odebrecht Construction
130 Gibraltar Bank
126 Richemont Latin Amer. & Carib.
125 Chevron Texaco Carib/Cent. Amer.
125 The Omni Colonnade Hotel
120 BMI Financial Group, Inc.
120 David William Hotel
115 Kraft Foods Caribbean Sales
115 Care-Plus Health Plans, Inc.
110 Merrill Lynch Bank & Trust Co.
108 Club Med
100 Cornerstone Group
100 Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell
100 T.Y. Lin Int’l./H.J. Ross
100 American Airlines



New Businesses Opening up in Coral Gables:
* Miller's Ale House

* Baptist Medical Plaza will offer urgent care, digital x-ray, ultrasound and other convenient services.

* Edible Arrangements freshly made fruit bouquets and baskets

* Ital Jewelry

* Estrada Furniture and Housewares

* Liberto Bridal Accessories

* The Local, a casual dining restaurant

* The Palace Senior Living

* Abuc Boutique, featuring women's clothing and accessories

* Armandeus Coral Gables Hair Salon

* CocoLimon serving frozen yogurt

* Hewryk offers women's and men's skin care

* Iris Optique

* Las Leñas Argentinean Steakhouse

* Mister Wings - casual dining

* My Best Friend's Closet features women's apparel

* No Boundary Sports

* Peace Love World features men's and women's clothing

* Sugar Mama Cupcakes


Companies located in Coral Gables:
ABC News
Accent Marketing
ACS Infrastructure Development
Adorno & Yoss
Adobe Systems
AECom
Alberto Culver Company
Alma DDB
American Airlines
America Economia Group
ANSAC
Apple
Arcor USA
Artefacto
Arthur Murray International
Astra Zeneca Latin America
AT&T
Bacardi
Banacol Marketing Corporation
Banco de Credito del Peru
Banco Internacional de Costa Rica
Banco Mercantil
Banco Popular
Bank of America
Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.
Berlitz Language Center
Berna Products Corporation
BMI Financial Group
Bunge Latin America
Business Centers International
Campbell Soup Company
Capital International
Cargill
Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Assoc.
Carico International
CC1 Companies
Century 21
Chattem
CH2M Hill
Charles Schwab L.A. & Caribbean
Chevron Products Company L.A.
Christie's Fine Art Auctioneers
Cisneros
Citrix Systems
Coldwell Banker
Colemont
Colliers International
Copca
Crosswell International
CTF Holdings
Danone Foods
DDB Latin America
Del Monte Fresh Produce
Dragados
Egon Zehnder International
EMC Corporation
Enterprise Florida
ESPA International
ESPN International
Exxon Mobil Inter-America
Fabio Perini Latin America
FAG International
Fidelity Investments
Fleishman Hillard
Fox Latin America
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen& Loewy
FugiIndustries
Furniture Medic
Fyffes
GrupoKettal
H.J. Heinz Co.-Latin America
HBO Latin America
Hill and Knowlton/SAMCOR
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
Hines Holdings
Inelectra
Infante Zumpano Hudsone& Miloch
Inlingua Language Center
Intel Sat
Inter Orient Navigation
Jones Lang LaSales Hotels
JWT
JP Morgan Chase
Kettal North America
Kraft Foods Latin America
La Perla
Latin American Agribusiness Dev.
Leo Burnett Worldwide Latin America
Lexmark International Latin America
Lorina
LV MH Watch & Jewelry Carib. & L.A.
Lynch Sales Company
Maccaferri
Marriott
MasTec
Merrill Lynch
MetLife
Mexbrit
Mercantil Commercebank
MGM Networks Latin America
Mitsubishi Estate Company
MoneyGramLatin America
Movado Group
Network Shipping
OBM International
Odebrecht Construction
Ogilvy & Mather, Latina
Perkins + Will
Pedelta
Phelps Dodge International
Pilagro Corporation
Prudential
Ravenscroft Ship Management
Raymond James & Associates
RE/MAX
Richemont L.A. & Caribbean
R M G Connect
RSM
Robert Half International
RTKL Associates
S & K Worldwide Realty
Sice
Signode
Solutions WT
Sotheby's International Realty
Spencer Stuart
Starbucks Latin America
Starcom Media Vest Group
Steiner Management Services
SunGard
Swarovski
Tab Products
T. Y. Lin International
Team Port Services
Telemundo Internacional
Terra Networks
The Princeton Review
Thyssen krupp
Time Warner
Turbana
Tuthill Corporation
UBS International
Univision Communications
US Airways
U.S. Cariben
Venevision International
VR Business Brokers
Wachovia
Walt Disney Television International
Warner Brothers International
Watson Wyatt Worldwide
William Grant & Sons Distillers
Wrigley Sales Company
Yahoo!
Zenith Optimedia Latin America

Parking Issues Persist in Coral Gables

By: Vanessa Espinel

Coral Gables residents agree: the Gables is one of the best cities in South Florida. I had the chance to interview several residents at a Barnes & Noble on the famed-strip "Miracle Mile". The mean age of the residents I talked with was 32, they all complained about one issue: parking.

The city is known for its art shows, music festivals, bars and exotic cuisine from Middle Eastern to Cuban. It gains a lot of its revenue from both locals and tourists flowing in to these hot spots around the downtown area for a good time. The Gables is also home to the University of Miami so it is no surprise that the streets are filled with college students and an overall young adult crowd.

However, a few miles away, the residential areas filled with families and retirees are not pleased with the parking problems that the city can not seem to control. I have made several attempts, both by phone and by e-mail, to contact the Parking Department of Coral Gables but have yet to hear a response.

Their webpage provides information on meter system implemented last year called "CashKey". This new form of payment uses a key that contains a pre-deposited amount of money up to $100. The key is inserted at the designated meter where you select how much you want deducted in 25 cent intervals. In other words, it is the equivalent of a SunPass for a parking meter.

CashKey Brochure: http://www.coralgables.com/CGWeb/documents/parking_docs/CashKey_Brochure.pdf

The CashKey meters are currently available at these locations:

Chamber of Commerce
224 Catalonia Ave
Coral Gables, Fl 33134
305 446-1657

BID Office
224 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, Fl 33134
305 569-0311

Books & Books
265 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables, Fl 33134
305 442-4408

Le Provencal Restaurant
382 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, Fl 33134
305 448-8984

Publix
2551 Le Jeune Road
Coral Gables, Fl 33134
305 445-2641

Finance Department
405 Biltmore Way
Coral Gables, Fl 33134
305 460-5298

Parks & Recreation Department
405 University Drive
Coral Gables, Fl 33134
305 460-5605

Parking Department
2801 Salzedo Street 2nd floor
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-460-5540

While the city is still on the drawing board for finding parking alternatives, it recently debuted solar-powered parking pay stations in the Downtown district. These new stations are not only energy-saving but also convenient as drivers are offered various payment options. The pay stations accept coins, dollar bills, as well as both credit and debit cards.

According to a city press release, 80 parking pay stations will be placed in parking lots along Biltmore Way, Alhambra Circle, Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Downtown within the next two months. This new project is dumping 800 parking meters and opting for a more sleek and state-of-the-art aesthetic. In addition, they will run a trial period with these new meters in the heavily popular Miracle Mile.

Source: http://www.cggazette.com/index.cfm?dsp=news.view&nid=3082

Coral Gables Culture

By: Dunia Debk

Coral Gables, known as The City Beautiful, began as very cultural place full of art, architecture and so much more. Throughout the years it continues to get even better.

Residents have several opportunities to witness live and visual arts performances thanks to the community's museums, galleries, theaters, gardens, historical sites and other attractions.

They provide opportunities and events for people of all ages to engage in cultural experiences tailored to their liking. Without a doubt there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Coral Gables website Provides a very detailed list of all the upcoming events in the community. Whether you like music, theatre, art, or hands on activities you will find something to do.

Living Among the Snails

By: Michelle M. Arean

The giant Pink Snails have taken over the City of Coral Gables. While you drive around enjoying the historic city, you will stumble upon the giant Pink Snails placed throughout. The snails have slowly made their way to Coral Gables from their latest home in South Beach, the Southern East Coast of the U.S. The snails are slowly slugging their way across major Metropolitan cities across the nation. However, the snails have come a long way from Italy's renowned Galleria Ca d'Oro and are a courtesy of the international artistic collective Cracking Art Group.

Coincidentally, the Cracking Art Group has also recently found a new home on San Lorenzo North of Merrick Park Village, where more of their art can be enjoyed, as well as some smaller snails invading the space.

The Pink Snails are part of a global sensation called REgeneration Art Project, and part of a public art series designed to inspire a nation-wide dialogue about the importance of recycling and its environmental impact.

Some visitors of Coral Gables, such as Daniel Fuentes, 31, are not thrilled with the views of the attack of the snails on the city. "I don't really like the pink snails. The problem for me more than anything is the color. The Hot Pink doesn't go with anything in the area. They would be better placed in South Beach, to go with the Art Deco style. I think it's terribly tacky and I had no idea it was about recycling. Maybe the color of the snail should've been blue so you can remember to place your Coke can in the right bin. When I see pink snails I wonder if I stepped into the looking glass waiting for the white rabbit to show up."

However, other residents are having fun with the snails, while their visit to Coral Gables lasts. "My family and I love the pink snails. It brings a colorful sight as you drive around. They do not bother me at all and in fact Marcella, my daughter, enjoys counting how many she sees, said Cristina Trabanco Gonzalez, 29.

You might be wondering why the image of a snail was picked for this project? Well, according to the artists website, the snails symbolize nature created from recycled, artificial material, and leaves a minimal carbon footprint, which is to encourage people to re-examine existing perceptions of urban life, and inspire us to play with our cities, as well as to rejuvenate them. The goal is to REgenerate our cities into more healthy, vibrant, animated and loving environments.

The Pink Snails exhibition is curated by renowned Italian directors Gloria Porcella and Lamberto Petrecca.


If you'd like to take a look at these Pink Snails before they're gone (their visit only lasts 2 months at each stop), you can find them in the following locations throughout the city of Coral Gables:

*Cartagena Circle
*Ponce De Leon near San Lorenzo North of the Village of Merrick Park circle
*Coral Gables Youth Center and Library
*Ponce De Leon Circle Park
*Merrick Park Village
*Alhambra Circle
*Pittman Park
*Segovia Circles
*Museum Plaza
*eight of the smaller ones can be seen at the newly opened Ca d'Oro Gallery in Coral Gables on 135 S. San Lorenzo, where more Cracking Art Group artwork can be viewed.

View a clip of the Pink Snails at Art Basel- where the buzz about them began:

Theatre in The Gables: New Theatre

By: Dunia Debk

New Theatre is a multi-cultural theatre that has been producing a blend of classic and new works since 1986. Through the artistic Direction of Ricky J. Martinez and Managing Director, Eileen Suarez the theatre has been going strong for 25 seasons. New Theatre focuses on pieces that are about social/religious/humanistic interests, relevant issues of discrimination based on race, gender and sexual orientation, the immigrant's plight, the role of youth in the gables community, and for stories from the heart and for the soul.


Upcoming Plays at the Miracle Theatre

March 25 - April 17: The Radiant
This play centers on the life of Marie Curie, one of the world's first recognized woman scientists, whose discovery and isolation of radium earned her two Nobel Prizes and revolutionized science forever. Performances take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. Tickets for Thursday and Sunday evening performances cost $35. Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday matinee cost $40.

Theatre in The Gables: The Miracle Theatre and Actors' Playhouse

By: Dunia Debk

The Miracle Theatre is home to Actors' Playhouse and is considered a landmark in Coral Gables. It is just one of the many locations that hosts performances all year long in the community.

Actors’ Playhouse is a private nonprofit organization that strives to enrich South Florida culture by providing a full season of high quality theatre productions. They produce mainstage productions and children's programs as well as offer educational outreach programs and do a lot of community service.

The Miracle Theatre was established in 1988 and was a movie theatre for its first seven years. In 1995, Actors’ Playhouse entered a partnership with the City of Coral Gables to renovate the Miracle Theatre and transformed the theatre into their new home. Actors' Playhouse now has full responsibility of operating the facility and in return they get to use it rent free under a 40-year lease. Actors' Playhouse must raise all the money to operate and to make any improvements they would like. They have been successful in doing so with help from the State of Florida, Miami-Dade County, and many generous private donors.

In 2008 Actors’ Playhouse was awarded South Florida’s Theatre Company of the Year by the Carbonell Committee for overall season excellence and community outreach.

Actors’ Playhouse serves a multi-cultural audience of local residents. Programming is developed to appeal to audiences of diverse ages, ethnicity and cultural background. Over 1,500,000 children have experienced cultural and educational experiences through Actors’ Playhouse youth programs. They give back to the community not only through community service but by donating sixteen percent of their tickets each year to people that cannot afford admission.


Upcoming Plays at the Miracle Theatre

January 13 - March 12: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
An award-winning children's book is turned into a musical. In the play, Alexander knows it's going to be a terrible day when he wakes up - and he's right. See how the day unfolds. Performances are on Saturdays at 2 p.m.

March 9 - April 10: August: Osage County
The play is about is about a father who disappears, a mother caught in the grip of addiction, a marriage unraveling, and a family approaching total meltdown. Performances take place Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets for weeknights and matinees are $42, and on Friday and Saturday evenings $50. The theatre offers a 10 percent senior discount rate the day of performance and $15 student rush tickets 15 minutes prior to curtain with identification.

May 11 - June 5: Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps
The play, adapted by Patrick Barlow, mixes Hitchcock's masterpiece with a spy novel and Monty Python to give you a fast paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre. Miracle Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile.

The City Collective: Edibles Edition

By: Vanessa Espinel

You know you have reached Coral Gables when your eyes shift to the ground to search for the street signs.

Anyone who is familiar with the city knows that it is famous for its strict regulations, the Mediterranean Revival Style architecture and the luxury real estate. But the City Beautiful, as it has been nicknamed is a prime spot for the social scene.

As an honorary member of the Melting Pot State, the city is saturated with a wide variety of cultures and cuisine. With such diverse selections, residents and visitors alike can explore dishes from continent to continent without the inconvenience of layovers.

Writer's Choice:

- Angelique Euro Cafe
117 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 529-9922
www.angeliqueeurocafe.com/

- The Bar
172 Giralda Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 442-2730
www.gablesthebar.com/

- California Pizza Kitchen
300 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 774-9940
www.cpk.com/

- Graziano's Restaurant
394 Giralda Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 774-3599
www.grazianosgroup.com/

- Iron Sushi
70 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 476-0655
www.ironsushi.com/Coral-Gables.html

- La Provence Artisanal French Bakery & Cafe
2300 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 476-0530
www.laprovencemiami.com/

- Lotus Garden
318 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 446-2360
www.southflorida.menupages.com/restaurants/lotus-garden/

- Patagonia
244 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 640-8376
www.southflorida.menupages.com/resturants/patagonia/

- Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge
317 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 446-2690
www.redkoilounge.com/

- Seasons 52
321 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 442-8552
www.seasons52.com/

- The Sports Exchange
45 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 774-1222
www.sportsexchangemiami.com/

- Spris
2305 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 444-3388
www.spriscoralgables.com/

- Sugar Mama Cupcakes
94 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 774-0114
www.sugarmamacupcake.wordpress.com/

Find your taste of the city:
http://shopcoralgables.com/directory/?cat=dine



COMING SOON: Events Calendar & The Local Experience.

Government Affairs: Rebecca Burton

Type of government: Commission-Manager 

Five-member City Commission: (purpose): To provide community leadership and develop policies to guide the City Administration's delivery of services.

                       Members: Mayor-Don Slesnick, II

                                        Vice Mayor- William H. Kerdyk, Jr.

                                        Commissioner- Maria Anderson

                                        Commissioner- Wayne E. "Chip" Withers

                                        Commissioner- Rafael "Ralph" Cabrera, Jr.

·

 City Manager (Appointed by commission) Purpose: to serve as chief administrator of the City and ensure that the Commission's policies are properly executed. Budget-$144 million.

                                       Members: City Manager- Patrick G. Salerno

                                                         Assistant City Manager- Maria Alberro Menendez

                                                         Assistant City Manager- Dona Spain

                                                         Public Affairs Manager- Maria R. Higgins Fallon

                                                         Executive Assistant to City Manager-Lillian Quiroz

                                                         Executive Secretary-Pilar Wiesse

The Commission also appoints the City Attorney (Lourdes Alfonsin Ruiz) and the City Clerk (Walter Foeman)

Coral Gables' City Commissioners are elected to four-year, staggered terms. The Mayor serves for two years.

City-wide elections are held the second Tuesday in April in odd-numbered years.

What's Happening Now?

6 Commission Candidates Spar at Forum

(cggazette.com)

Approximately 150 people turned out to hear the six candidates vying to fill the commission seat Chip Withers is vacating after 20 years speak at a forum March 1.

Sponsored by the Ponce Business Association and moderated by CBS4 anchor Eliott Rodriguez, the two-hour event at the Church of the Little Flower featured insurance healthcare executive Rene Alvarez, commercial real estate broker Jackson Rip Holmes, real estate broker Richard Martin, attorney Frank Quesada, business owner Brad Rosenblatt and real estate investor Gonzalo Sanabria.

The candidates opened the forum by outlining their priorities for the city.

Alvarez, a 15-year Coral Gables resident and a University of Miami/City of Coral Gables Relations Committee member, called the city budget “bloated” and said Coral Gables must look for new tax revenue streams.
Holmes, a graduate of Coral Gables High School and the University of Florida School of Law, outlined four top goals: Creating more jobs, lowering taxes, re-energizing downtown by bringing in a department store and making sure taxpayers' money is spent on their priorities (police, fire and garbage pickup).

Martin, president of the Ponce Business Association, said the city must adopt a business-like approach to its operations and called for pension cost controls and reforms.

Quesada, a member of the Coral Gables Community Foundation board of directors, said City Hall is lacking the leadership needed to reduce wasteful spending. He also said "pension reform is not done."

Rosenblatt, president of the Business Improvement District, said the city must “…keep the commercial district healthy.”

Sanabria, chairman of Doctor's Hospital Foundation board of directors and a member of the city’s Historical Preservation Board, touted his extensive experience in the public and private sectors and said several times during the night, "No new taxes, no new fees."

On improving the pension system, Rosenblatt called the problem serious and suggested outsourcing whole departments, namely Building & Zoning and Information Technology.

Alvarez and Martin both proposed a 401(k)-type (defined contribution) plan for new hires.

Holmes referred to the city employees’ pension plans as “gold plated.”

"I remember when ‘pension’ was a good word 10 or 50 years ago," said Quesada. “But state statutes limit our options (today).”

Sanabria said something must be done about pensions and reform is inevitable. “(The pension contribution) doesn’t leave a lot for other city funding needs,” he added. “Seventy percent of our revenues go to employee benefits and salaries. There’s not a left to go around.”

Perhaps the most divisive issue discussed during the evening was on the $16 million Miracle Mile Streetscape project. One candidate said its need was immediate while the others were opposed questioning its necessity and if it was the best use for scarce public monies at the moment.

Only Rosenblatt supports the plan, saying businesses want it and it should have been done years ago. He added that the projected loss of 75 parking spots downtown is a small price to pay to create a more pedestrian-friendly area that will “…get hundreds of thousands of people,” to come downtown.

Quesada said he could support but not now and that the city must resolve its pension woes first.

Martin also said he is against the project at this time, as the money should be used for the pension system.

Holmes said his main criticism of the plan is the loss of 75 parking spaces. "Taking away parking is just not smart," said Holmes.

"We don't have revenues for this now," said Alvarez, explaining that the project would be a tremendous head wind for business owners who are struggling already.

Sanabria was most adamantly opposed to project, saying Coral Gables taxpayers should not, “…be on the hook for $20 million,” the residents’ projected portion to fund the plan. Plans to eliminate 75 parking spaces also set off the alarm for him. "I have built many shopping centers; the last thing you want to do is cut parking," added Sanabria, who also wants more minutes per quarter in parking meters.

If audience response is any indication, the best lines of the night came from Sanabria and Holmes. In his closing remarks, Sanabria told the crowd, “There is no learning curve when you elect me.” And in his final statement, Holmes connected with the audience when he said, “look folks we’re all suffering in the Great Recession. But we’ve got a city manager (Pat Salerno) who when he was running Sunrise (Fla.) created lots of jobs. If we’ve got a guy who can bring home the bacon and ain’t doing it, we need to light a fire under him. We need to light a fire under him.” 

City voters will elect a mayor and two commissioners on Tuesday, April 12.

Mayoral Candidates Joust at Rotary Debate

By George Volsky
georgevolsky@aol.com
Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick, evasive as it is his wont, has been put on defense by his two opponents in the April 12 election during  the second debate mayoral Thursday at the Coral Gables Country Club.

Former diplomat James Cason and Coral Gables attorney Tom Korge repeatedly pinpointed the many failures of the mayor’s ten-year long tenure. But their charges, given the less-than-informative and sharp format of the debate that followed the Rotary Club of Coral Gables’ regular luncheon, failed to deliver a propaganda knockout to Slesnick.

Still, the mayor, constantly circumventing the questions, at one point appeared to reveal a defeatist demeanor. He said that he and his wife would be “proud” of his mayoralty’s accomplishments if he is not re-elected in April.  And he even praised his two opponents as being worthy mayoral candidates.

According to one resident who observed the debate – and who used to be a Slesnick supporter – both Cason and Korge would have scored the debate’s winning points had they referred to Slesnick’s penchant for distorting facts, (or as he put it “for lying,”)  an example of which, he said, actually happed today.

“This morning,” said the residents who asked not be identified, “I read Don’s ad in the Miami Herald’s Neighbors section and there, to my surprise, he took credit for the Coral Gables Trolley System as his ‘major accomplishment.’”

The resident continued: “I don’t think there is anyone in this audience - and we, the Rotarians, are quite aware of what it’s going on in the city - who doesn’t know that it was Bill Kerdyk, not Slesnick,- who proposed and fought for the trolleys  and that, on the contrary,  Don first tried to kill the project and when he failed to do it, he insisted unsuccessfully that its users pay a quarter per ride, which would have immediately scuttled the system. When I read the ad, I couldn’t believe that Don had run it. It offends us and our intelligence. Does Don believe Coral Gables voters are stupid?”

Like in the first debate, Cason said that he would look at the city’s many and serious financial and administrative problems with “new eyes and ears,” and would insist on a total reorganization of its administration. He also told the audience that as mayor he would put transparency at the top of his agenda.

In that context, Cason accused Slesnick of hiding from voters - until after the election - a comprehensive analysis of the city’s controversial financial relations with the Biltmore Hotel by PriceWaterhouseCoopers,  reportedly completed after almost a year of work.  (The report, authoritative sources have told the Gazette, concludes that Coral Gables should not hope to ever be repaid about $5 million, if not more, that the Biltmore management owes the city.)

Korge, as he has done before, charged Slesnick with negligence in not reacting for a long time to the hotel’s managers who wanted to discuss their financial problems with the city, and who in view of the mayor’s refusal to talk stopped paying the rent. 
But Slesnick ignored his opponents’ statements. Neither did the Rotary Club moderator ask the mayor – as he could have done – to explain why the PWC report should not be released before April 12 vote. Neither was the mayor asked what was his position on that important city issue, as well as on an equally critical huge pension shortfall, a question from the public which the mayor pointedly ignored.
Slesnick’s replies to difficult questions were: “after all, the sun shines on Coral Gables;” “George Merrick would be proud if he saw the city today;” “we have the most civil city commission in South Florida;” and a new Slesnick gem: “you can look at the facts five different ways.”   

At the outset of the debate, it was expected that the Rotarians, many of whom have been the mayor’s political and personal friends for years would have received him with warm and thunderous applause.  That, significantly, did not happen. Applause was generally evenhanded and if anything it showed the audience’s lack of enthusiasm for Slesnick’s re-election bid.  

--------------------------

I also got in contact with Maria Higgins Fallon, the Public Affairs manager whom I have an interview with on Monday. She is going to discuss with me some of the more current issues the city is facing. 

Coral Gables: Effortless Beauty?

By: Candice Basmajian

The city of Coral Gables takes pride in its nickname- “The City Beautiful.” However, most who drive under its canopy of trees and marvel at the beautiful homes lining its streets have no idea that how many rules the city actually poses on residents to maintain that title.

Coral Gables was originally founded by George Merrick in the 1920’s and was one of the first well planned neighborhoods in the nation. Built in a Spanish-Mediterranean style, Coral Gables still retains that original look, and its uniformity allows any who visit to guess its boundaries quite accurately. The look is purposeful and its effect is stunning, but homeowners and renters must give up artistic rights of their homes to the city to maintain the proper curb appeal.

From the shades of acceptable paint options for the outside of their homes, to the permissions and approvals they must receive to erect mailboxes and fences, Coral Gables residences are under a very watchful eye. The residences must choose landscaping, paving, and lawn fixtures that blend in with the style, and can be fined when they violate these rules. Adrian Fernandez, a resident of Coral Gables and a renter on the beautiful Segovia street, explained that he was fined over $200 for putting up a basketball stand and hoop in his front driveway- a common mistake that the city frowns upon.

Although many residents have had personal annoyances with the permit, approval and fines that the city hands out, many feel that it is worth it. The obvious beauty of the area, as well as the prestige that comes from living within its shaded streets, makes Coral Gables a playground for the wealthy, and a symbol of status for all who reside there.

Coral Gables Demographics and City Info

Who's Living In Coral Gables:

• Hispanic - 20,964 (48.1%)
• White alone - 20,709 (47.5%)
• Black alone - 907 (2.1%)
• Asian alone - 668 (1.5%)
• Two or more races - 251 (0.6%)
• American alone - 34 (0.08%)
• Other race alone - 29 (0.07%)

5,992 residents are foreign born (31.5% Latin America, 4.4% Europe)

Education for population 25 years and over in Coral Gables:

• High school or higher: 91.7%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 58.3%
• Graduate or professional degree: 30.9%
• Unemployed: 5.9%
• Mean travel time to work: 22.8 minutes

Over 50% of Coral Gables’ residents 25 and older have a college degree; 25% have a graduate or professional degree. 

Marital Status for population 15 years and over in Coral Gables city:

• Never married: 32.0%
• Now married: 50.1%
• Separated: 1.3%
• Widowed: 6.0%
• Divorced: 10.6%

Coral Gables Income, Earnings & Wages Info.:

Estimated median house or condo value in 2009: $602,445 (it was $314,800 in 2000)

Mean prices in 2009: 

All housing units: $866,267

Detached houses: $914,152

Townhouses or other attached units: $802,234; In 2-unit structures: $583,355; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $389,415; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $575,546; Mobile homes: $1,664,272

Median gross rent in 2009: $1,128.

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2009: $6,750 (0.9%) Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2009: $6,458 (1.0%)

Crime In Coral Gables:

According to our research there were no registered sex offenders living in this city in December 2010

Coral Gables Tourist Attractions:

• Miracle Mile - Coral Gables, Florida - Outdoors Shopping, Food, Entertainment
• Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a Coral Gables Favorite
• The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is a Unique Historic Attraction

Public Transportation Available:

• Coral Gables Trolley – free, vintage‐style trolley running weekdays as an internal circulator on Ponce de Leon Boulevard from the Douglas Road Metrorail station to S.W. 8th Street. (305‐460‐5070). 

• Metro‐Dade Transit Agency buses (305‐770‐3131, Option 6) serve the Miami district, including Coral Gables. 

• Two Metrorail stations (305‐770‐3131, Option 6) serve Coral Gables: the Douglas Station and the University Station. Also, there is a Tri‐Rail commuter train (1‐800‐874‐7245) that runs a 67‐mile track from Miami International Airport to West Palm Beach, which is connected to the Metrorail