King Mango Strut 2006 took over the streets

The 25th King Mango Strut took place as usual on the downtown streets of the Grove. Here are some photos of today's events. I'll post more tomorrow. To see them larger, please just click on them.

From left, Jorge with Anna Nicole, Kramer, the Fashion Police

You Can Buy the Strut, referring to the Grand Marshall

Here is Don Robertson, the Grand Marshall, who won
this honor on ebay.

Roxie Bolton, Glenn Terry and others with
the Marching Marjories

The crowds were out, as you can see here

From left: Santa and Ms. Claus, Statue of Liberty
and the usual Castro.

Raul Masvidal, the developer; Marie Antoinette

Some hotties who opened the parade

King Mango Strut today!

Are you ready for the Silver Strut -- the 25th running of the King Mango Strut, where news and satire collide on the streets of Coconut Grove? (This photo is from last year).

Living up to this year's Strut theme, "Still Crazy After All These Years," you're invited to experience a real third world moment today. Join the Mango Tabernacle Choir in song for a singing telegram to Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo to begin this year's parade.

Like Time Magazine, the committee couldn't decide which one of YOU to select as the Grand Marshal, so they decided to let YOU decide by hosting an equal opportunity auction on eBay (yeah, they really needed the money). Don Roberson of Miami Beach placed the highest bid of $5,600.

Amazingly, he outbid everyone in the eBay universe without the help of a lobbyist. Don will ride a convertible Bentley and he will get to be "The Donald" for a day. He will be granting second chances to aspiring but troubled beauty queens.

See you there -- downtown Grove -- 2 pm. Come early!

Getting ready for the New Year

CocoWalk is being all spiffed up for the New Year. You can see some of the painters here.

Haskins raids City treasury

Those are The Miami Herald's words. Not mine.
Editorial here.

More Strut news

Footage of the first Strut was found at the Wolfson Media Center. Click here for show schedule. You can also see the segment on You Tube and also an edited version on the Strut website here: www.kingmangostrut.org.


PARTY!
The King Mango Strut's 25th Anniversary Party is tonight, December 29th, 8pm at Tobacco Road. IKO IKO and The 18 Wheelers are performing and there is much more.


ON THE AIR
Today at 1 pm, you can listen live as King Mango takes over the airwaves at WLRN's South Florida Arts Beat at 1pm on 91.3 FM. They Strutters will be on at about 1:15pm. It's the King Mango Strut on radio. They will have several skits, interviews with 2006 Grand Marshal, Don Robertson and So Florida Historian, Dr. Paul George, who puts the King Mango Strut in hyterical - I meant - historical perspective.

King Mango Strut this weekend!

Don't forget the King Mango Strut, this Sunday, Dec. 31st at 2 pm -- Downtown Grove.

We'll be there taking pics!

Here is a song from the Strutters, sung to the tune of "It's a Small World After All" I think:

We love living here
For the sun and fun
And the land of the free
Is for everyone
Though the language divides
We still live side by side
It's a third world after all

Johnny Rockets pads the bill

I was at Johnny Rockets today and you can see by the bill here that they take it upon themselves to pad the bill.

We didn't want cheese, yet they added .69 for that, I actually went out of my way to tell the waiter that I didn't want mayo or cheese because I wanted to cut the fat. Mayo didn't come on the order, wonder how much that would have cost.

And the they actually added .39 for a slice of lemon, which was not ordered. I think that came in the Diet Coke.

Also, they add a tip, but they add it to the sales tax, too.

Johnny Rockets does have balls. I won't be eating there again any time soon.

We wrote about some nice Grove restaurants this week. Check out the main page here.

Update on the Mercy Hospital site

The City Zoning Board turned down the zoning change request for the Mercy Hospital-Related Group project, but It turns out that the Related Group will not give up on their plan to annoy the neighbors and ruin the quality of life for people living in the area.The Related Group now wants to cut a new road from the Mercy site into the little neighborhood next door, making East Glencoe a major entry.

Right now East Glencoe and West Glencoe are quiet little streets. The neighborhood is a cul de sac and people purchased on those streets for that very reason.

There is a petition going around against this intrusion and it would be a good idea for all who are against this nonsense to sign it.

One local magazine publisher is for the project because of the money involved. She stands to make a lot on the new project's advertising campaign, she readily admitted this to a neighbor. Another one is a dock builder who feels that if he gives up part of his property through eminent domain for the new access road, he will be allowed to build docks in the area.

One person fighting for the project, conveniently took his "for sale" sign down. How can someone be allowed to make decisions when they are eager to sell and get out leaving the mess behind for their neighbors who remain living here.

Disgusting. They are selfish people, who don't care about quality of life or their neighbors.

Not a creature was stirring

Yesterday, about noon, as I was driving through downtown Coconut Grove, there was such a sense of peace. There was barely a car on the road and as I drove up Mary Street, onto Grand Avenue, there was not even a car parked along the side of the road. It was eerie, but beautiful.

A couple of people were walking dogs in front of Yacht Harbor, and a few people were sitting at tables at Johnny Rockets. I saw a man and woman riding bikes on the Cocowalk side of the street, but aside from that, the Grove was so serene and peaceful.

I found it odd that Starbucks was closed, only because there always seems to be something going on there. But just the fact that they were quiet on this Christmas Day, was nice.

The hustle bustle is nice in the Grove, but quiet days like this are really something to see and appreciate.

Merry Christmas

No class act

I love this article in today's Herald:

It seems that Linda Haskins has given her staff $5,000 bonuses, even though they all have new jobs already and on top of that, she and her staff left Marc Sarnoff with nothing, just bare offices, not even citizen's files.

"We are left with no institutional memory of any complaint of any citizen of the city of Miami,'' Sarnoff said. ``When I got here, we couldn't even find a pencil or a legal pad.''

Class is as class does. Linda Haskins sure proves this. Merry Christmas, Linda.

Townhouses with character

Here are more townhouses in Center Grove. These have character. The ones in the post below have no character.

Here below is even a round one that someone mentioned in a previous post.

Cookie cutter Grove

This was sent in by a reader:

Do you know where you are? Can you distinguish unique neighborhoods by landmarks and specific styles of architecture and streets?

All of the townhouses pictured below are within a twenty block radius of each other. All have Chicago brick pavers, a fence, an automatic gate and most have a garage.

Question: Where are all of these homes located?

Westchester
Hialeah
Coconut Grove

Answer: Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove is often described by our City of Miami politicians, tourism boards and media as being special, distinctive, eclectic, eccentric, artsy, charming, tree covered, scenic, unique, desirable, bohemian, entertaining, fun and so fourth.

But they better have some good lawyers on retainer, since someone may disagree and sue them for “false advertising.”

Regrettably the City of Miami and its Zoning Board has continued to permit boring, repetitive, cookie-cutter homes to be built. The unfortunate result is that our beloved Coconut Grove is quickly becoming the opposite of what made it so wonderful, why people visit us and why we moved here in the first place.

Aspiring to mediocrity is not much of a goal to be proud of.

All of the pictures below were take by Harry E. Gottlieb on 12/14/2006 in Coconut Grove (Center Grove & Village West).

Harry sent me over a dozen photos, but you get the idea by looking at just these few. Hell, you ge the idea by just walking through the Grove.


We apologize if any of these are photos of your house.

Pole dancing

I found the perfect last minute Christmas gift for the girl who has everything. How about some pole dancing lessons?

Susan Hilferty offers gift certificates at Pole Fitness Studio, which is right above the Bird Bath Coin Laundry at 2829 Bird Ave. # 9. You can check the website out here: http://polefitnessstudio.net/

Lit up for Christmas; Tuesday night in the Grove

Boats belong at the waterfront, not cars

Here is a comment from an anonymous person on a previous post. This person explains it in such simple terms. This is how I feel and why I don't feel that boats are ugly and a parking garage may be:

The stacks of boats may not be pretty but that is what boat marinas are for. They allow those middle-class neighbors, those that cannot afford to keep boats in the water, the ability to access the bay. Marina's belong on the waterfront, not parking garages or parking lots. The idea is to give people more access so residents can use the bay and waterfront. Boating is what the Grove is all about and its history.

"Did you know that the cement parking lot used for the Monty's restaurant was actually a gift from the State of Florida to the City of Miami with the condition that it be used as a park? How on earth did we loose such a precious park to a parking lot that you now have to pay to park in. We need to reclaim this land for the community. Monty's can find parking across the street.

Grove doggie parade

There was a dog parade in the Grove recently. It started at the bull sculpture at the old Borders location and went through the streets of the Grove. Some stores like Out of Africa and Sparkle Plenty were prepared with treats and water for the dogs. The parade ended up at Cocowalk where Santa was there for photos.

This was sponsored by the Grove Merchants Group.


That's Anna Marie Windish Hunt of The One Ear Society as the Cat in the Hat, she's with Sparky, who won a prize.

Those are Stephen Lacata's dogs (of Palm Produce).

I don't like the waterfront masterplan

One of the stupidest plans for the waterfront seems to be not renewing the Coconut Grove Sailing Club's lease until the master plan is completed and even then it is in question.

So it seems that parking garages are considered in the master plan but the Sailing Club, which is the very essence of water and the park is not.

Who are these parking garages for? The parks should be for the locals -- for Grove residents -- it's a quality of life thing. Are people going to come to the waterfront, park their cars in a six story garage and then go walk their dog? None of this makes sense.

Kennedy Park is overflowing with people almost every weekend and those hundreds of people manage to find a place to park their cars. Where do all those soccer players park?

And as for people complaining about "boats being piled up on top of each other" and that being just as ugly as a parking garage. I beg to differ.

Fresh squeezed

Some juicy oranges greet you as you enter the Fresh Market on South Bayshore Drive.

A Christmas past

For you long-time Florida residents, I know you will get chills when you see this. This is my all time favorite commerical. For many years, Publix ran this every Christmas season. I get chills and tears every time I see it. It brings back such fond memories of another era. Enjoy......

'Let's block waterfront with parking garages' NOT!

Sasaki Associates unveiled three preliminary plans for the Coconut Grove Waterfront Master Plan at a couple of public meetings this past week.

The three ideas are called Regatta Park, Grove Gardens and Flying Clipper.

One problem: they do not accommodate boaters and the waterfront should accommodate the boaters who have been there since the very beginning.

Plans call for water taxis, amphitheaters and even parking garages! Talk about destroying the waterfront. I still can't understand why the whole area can't be cleaned up and left alone. The rustic feel of the place is really the only thing that remains of the old Grove. The waterfront is a jewel, they want to put parking garages on the property? Just that fact alone should be cause enough to dump Sasaki, they obviously don't have a clue and don't care.

You would think that the waterfront would be the only thing not destroyed by developers, but again, that is the plan. Make the rustic, funky Grove waterfront a commercial piece of crap -- which will probably go the way of Cocowalk and Mayfair -- large commercial structures that serve no one but the chain stores and restaurants that will end up there.

The plan seems to be to discourage water activity by local boaters and marine interests. I know I'll get a lot of comments and put dows, but honestly folks, why can't the waterfront remain the waterfront? Do we have to yuppie-ize everything? It ain't broke, it doesn't need to be fixed. Plant some trees, a lot of trees, put in some benches, make a few paths. Period. DON'T COMMERCIALIZE THE WATERFRONT.

Dylan Ace performs tonight

Illusionist Dylan Ace will be doing his thing tonight at the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium, (3280 S. Miami Ave.)

He's a Miami native, who has escaped from a straitjacket while hanging from a fire-lit rope, he has appeared as the opening act for Britney Spears, Lenny Kravitz, Crosby Stills and Nash, and Jessica Simpson.


The show starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $15. For details call 786-245-4401 or visit http://www.dylanace.com/.

Hampton Inn thinks it is the Ritz Carlton

A lot of time when we are having our condo board meetings, we joke about large expenses. Like if someone wants to spend $5,000 on a project and we only want to spend $1000, we'll say, "We want to be the Ritz Carlton on a Hamton Inn budget." And everyone laughs.

Well, according to newspaper reports, the Coconut Grove Hampton Inn wants to be the Ritz Carlton, or at least charge room rates like the Ritz Carlton. They plan on charging up to $649.00 per room, up from $199.00 per room, during Super Bowl week. Is this gouging?

Another waterfront meeting

There will be a second presentation at the Waterfront Advisory Board meeting tonight, December 12, at the City Hall at 6:30 PM. Last night's meeting was spirited and a great deal of information was discussed. We need to show the City of Miami we will participate and want our ideas heard (and used). Many have come to input meetings, and these presentations are the beginning of the next phase, which will ultimately result in the creation of one design for our waterfront. We hope to see you there.

Michelle Niemeyer, Chair
Coconut Grove Waterfront Working Committee

Editor's note: Hope Michelle will send us an update via email since we cannot make tonight's meeting.

Rainy day

A rainy day in Coconut Grove

Waterfront meeting tonight

Tonight from 6 pm to 8 pm, the Grove's Waterfront Master Plan will be discussed at the Museum of Science, in the auditorium (3280 South Miami Avenue).

Months have gone by and people are anxious to see what is new with the Sasaki Design Group's plans. Their website is here: http://projects.sasaki.com/coconutgrove/

Village Council looking for leaders

According to today's Herald, Yvonne McDonald, Vice Chairman of the Cocoanut Grove Village Council is leaving the Council to work as Marc Sarnoff's aide.

This is good news actually since now the City Commission will have two people on the Grove's side working for the good of the Grove.

The Village Council should easily be able to regroup. In fact, anyone intersted in one of the two open seats may apply here: www.cocoanutgrovevillagecouncil.com. I don't see an application there as of yet, but there is supposed to be.

You may also email the Village Council here: www.cocoanutgrovevillagecouncil.com

New Grove library needs a name

The Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association and the Virrick Park Citizens Committee are looking for a name for the new library being built on the park grounds.

The association's historic preservation committee is looking for the name of a person who would be associated with children's causes or literary causes, please send your suggestion with a short explanation of your reasons, to Library, P.O. Box 331389, Miami, FL 33233.

They are also looking for nominations for Grove residents who helped improve the neighborhood in some way so their names can be installed permanently in the Village West Wall of Fame.

Send nominations and explanations to Wall of Fame, P.O. Box 331389, Miami, FL 33233 or call 305-446-3095 or 305-443-6528 or e-mail YMcDonald@bellsouth.net

Blue Man Grove performs tonight

Blue Man Grove is performing tonight from 7:30 to 10:00 pm at Pommes & Pane Cafe located at CocoWalk (facing Virginia Street, right across from the entrance to the Mayfair Hotel).

From 7:30-10:00 pm, enjoy acoustic blues with two great guitar players and one great harp player, all of whom sing their tatoos off.

Experienced musicians--bassists, percussionists, etc. are welcome to sit it. Plus good beer, wine, & soft drinks, great french fries, and really good deli sandwiches are available.

Cherry Heering

To the dude who works at the Walgreen's Liquor Store -- they do still make Cherry (Peter) Heering. You told me it was out of production because you were too lazy to get off your cell phone and check. They had it at Flanningan's Liquor Store. And there's plenty of it.

I remembered this from when I was a kid, my parents always had it and I would taste it and sometimes sneak it on ice cream. Well, I got it at Flannigan's as I said, and luckily I only bought one bottle, because the stuff is toooo sweet. A little goes a long way.

I tried it on mint chocolate chip ice cream and it is delicious. But I don't think I'll be having much more of it. I should have just left it a childhood memory. Somtimes it is a good idea to not revist things.

Mercy's incompetence must not be rewarded

The following is one of the comments left on one of the posts below. It think it really sums up the situation and should be posted here so as not to be lost in the comments section:

Mercy Hospital is using the justification for selling their property to a developer because they say they need the money for improvement.

If Mercy is not already self sufficient after all these years in business as a not-for-profit without paying taxes, what makes them think that a few million bucks will make a difference. Eventually they will spend that money as well and have to sell more property.

Mercy Hospital must not be permitted to impose upon the neighborhoods quality of life just to help them raise funds since they are unable to properly manage their own business and budget for improvement.

Incompetence must not be rewarded, especially at our expense.

I have been reminded that Mercy does not need justification to sell their property - they own it and do not need to ask anyone's permission to sell it. That Mercy is smart to use this $96 million dollars to improve their facilities so that they do not have to pay a massive amount of interest on construction loan. That many of the surrounding neighbors want this project built.

So, why are we not heading the advice of the Planning and Zoning Boards that are against this project?

I suspect the Grove Village Council and many others including me are also not in favor of this project.

Miami has a glut of new condos (more then Manhattan) and it will take many years to absorbed them all. This glut is going to affect all of our property values, traffic, sewage and quality of life.I don’t think we need to build any more units for a long time, which will just continue to contribute to the glut.

I heard that the Mercy project developers are compensating some of the neighborhood groups with funds for the inconvenience that they will be going through.That sounds a little like a pay-off.

Our community does not need any more condos. We don’t want to reward Mercy Hospital for its poor management and greed. What we want are three of the five Miami City Commissioners to step up to the plate and vote down this Mercy project. We need our commissioners to fight for the rights of its citizens and quality of life.

Signed,
Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Scotty's Landing's signs

Scotty's Landing is full of signs.

I love this one. No more annoying dogs barking and fighting while you try to eat. So that's good. Some dog probably bit someone or something and they probably got fined or warned.

They have these multiple signs about being seated. The little tiny one at the bottom says, "If not understood, start again". Guess this is supposed to be funny. But it is true, people stand there and wait and wait and others just pass them by and sit down.

And I love this one about keeping your feet off the chairs. They actually have this on the back of their menu. Whenever I take someone there for the first time, I point that out. They think I am pointing out something to eat on the menu and then they read that and crack up.

They do wish you a great day as you are leaving. So that is nice.

Coyote Ugly opens tonight

After doing some Christmas shopping around the Grove today, you may want to visit the new Coyote Ugly Saloon opening tonight at Cocowalk. Doors open at 9 pm.

Boy scouts

The Boy Scouts were doing their yearly 15 mile hike this weekend and many of them stopped in the Grove for lunch along the way.

Mercy condos

There is an interesting article in today's Herald about the Mercy condos. The headline is sort of misleading, making it sound like a done deal. But it does go on about Mercy's selfish plans and how the homeowners' groups in the nearby Natoma Manors and Bay Heights subdivisions have sold out their pride and souls for cash.

You can see the whole story here.

Metrorail-Rua project update

The Rapid Transit Development Impact Committee delayed a vote on the Rua project at the Grove Metrorail station at 27th and US1 last month. As you rememeber Rua, the developer wants to increase the size of his project and the neighbors are against this.

They would like him to stick with his 1999 plans, which consisted of a smaller 10 story building and a 14 story building, also a supermarket, but over the years, the project has changed many times and grown larger and larger.

The new hearing is scheduled to be heard Jan. 24, 2007 and the committee will issue their recommendations the the Miami City Commission.

Grove residents sue city over Home Depot zoning

Three Grove residents have filed suit against the City of Miami and its zoning directors, claiming that issuing permits to Home Depot and not following current zoning codes was illegal. Story here.

Santa arrives at Cocowalk

Santa arrived at Cocowalk today -- Coconut Grove style -- in red Bermuda shorts, sunglasses and a flowery shirt. The beach chair, pink flamingo and plastic palm tree completed the scene.


Face painting was popular.

So was the balloon artist.

Everyone had a smile on their face. It was a nice, bright sunny December day.