We need more pictures!

A weekday afternoon in Starbucks

Victor Maguilo on Main Highway

Jorge Fernandez, the Grove's number 1 pet sitter
with one his clients at CocoWalk.

We need more pictures in this blog and frankly, I can't be everywhere at once.

Everyone is welcome to send any sort of Grove pictures. If you go to the July 4th events, feel free to send some pictures. If you have a family picnic in Kennedy Park or go skateboarding behind Peacock Park, send 'em. You can send yourselves eating at any Grove restaurant or drinking in any Grove bar. Send us some boating shots behind Monty's. Let's just start sharing pictures of everyday life. Even Village Council meetings would be cool. Or any committee meetings from the Mango Strut guys to the Christmas decorations committee.

All that I ask is that you have people's names as part of the caption when possible and of course tell us where it is, i.e. the name of the bar, street, etc.

You gonna be at the Sandbar Grill tonight? Snap some pics with your cell phone and send 'em. Moon the camera, we don't care. Let's chronicle the Grove though lots of pictures.

Village Council news

Susan Weintraub was elected this week as the newest member of the Village Council.

Due to lack of a quorum, the scheduled City Hall Village Council meeting scheduled for July 3rd has been cancelled. Most of the Council members will not be in town over the July 4th holiday. The next scheduled meeting will be in the Grove Chamber of Commerce office Tuesday, July 17th at 7:00 PM, adjacent to the NET office. You know, the Glass House (2820 McFarlane Road).

The Village Council's website is http://www.coconutgrovevillagecouncil.com/
For info, you may call 305-607-8360

Glad rag, shill

This is the way the Sun-Post's Rebecca Wakefield describes one local Grove publication while writing about "The Firm":

"Clue No. 1 that this thing stinks is the fact that Miami Monthly, the glossy Coconut Grove glad-rag put out by consistent Diaz/Arriola/Johnny Winton booster and Related Group shill Elena Carpenter, has, as its July cover story, an article written by publisher Carpenter and her editor titled “Robbing the City Blind.”

For the whole article on "The Firm", click here.

Too little, too late

The Related Group is getting worried about the many law suits against their 300 Grove Bay project. They are trying to come up with solutions to shield Vizcaya from their monstrosity. Solution: Stop being greedy asses, go away. Aside from the people they pay off, no one wants The Related Group around.

Changes are in the air

I think the two major losses in the Grove to Mercy-Related and Home Depot is going to be good for the Grove in the respect that the Grove is going to change. I feel this is the wake up call that the citizens needed. I think Miami is in trouble now, too.

I feel that the residents of the Grove and the City of Miami are not going to take it anymore and the City of Miami is going to regret this. I think these two underhanded projects are the impetus for change. Real change. I feel it, I smell it (wait, that is the filthy developers and paid off politicians I smell), no I feel it in the wind.

Changes are coming. Watch out. Johnny Winton was the beginning.

I also see bad karma and bad luck for the three City Commissioners who spit all over the Grove residents. I honestly see bad things happening to them and their districts. I feel that the County Commission is going to start crumbling now, too. There is just too much corruption. Carrie Meek has shocked me in her underhanded deal, if you can't trust Carrie Meek, things are really rotten.

Every day, more and more City and County scandals are unveiled -- all involving developers, politicians, zoning and the almighty dollar.

Karma is a bitch. Things are starting to hit the fan . . . . watch out.

Village Council meets tomorrow night

The Village Council meets Thursday June 28, from 7 to 9 pm at the Glass House (2820 McFarlane Road).

Agenda:
I. Call to Order………...Gary Hecht, Chair
II. Roll Call…………..….Councilwoman Niemeyer, Sec.
III. Minutes……………... Councilwoman Niemeyer, Sec.
IV. Treasurer’s Report…Councilwoman Dubin, Treas.

OLD BUSINESS
V. Election – New Member….Councilman Zilber
VI. Council-sponsored BIC charette…Councilman Collins
VII. West Grove Bimini Project Review....Councilwoman Dubin

NEW BUSINESS
VIII. NCD-3/ Miami 21 – Councilman Alyn Pruett, Chair
Village Council Zoning Compliance Committee
IX. Other Committee Reports
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADJOURNMENT

Public Comments are held until the noted agenda item unless specifically authorized by the Chairman. Members of the public are requested to sign in at the meeting, noting the agenda item(s) they wish to address. Please limit comments to 2 minutes. Individuals and organizations desiring to make a community announcement, please inform the Chairman prior to the call to order of the meeting.

The agenda closes and becomes official at noon, FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING. The general public may request to place items on the agenda by written notice or to the Council Chairman by mail or email at www.CoconutGroveVillageCouncil.com

The Cocoanut Grove Village Council members are:
Gary Hecht - Chair
Martin Zilber - Vice Chair
David Collins
Liliana Dones
Felice Dubin -Treasurer
Ron Nelson
Michelle Niemeyer - Secretary
Lottie Person
Alyn Pruett

Mailing Address:
2910 Emathla Street
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Telephone: 305-607-8360
Fax: 305-860-6057

It's beginning to hit the fan

Old Grover is at it again. Here is one of his pieces of art. Check out his other parodies on Carrie and Kendrick Meek, Code Enforcement, Jorge Perez and more. Click here.

Looks like things may start to change in Miami and the Grove. There is lots of stuff going on and lots of people being looked at. The party may be over for a lot of the scammers who run this town. Quality of life may just start to return. Let's hope.

City ignores Growth Management Act

The City of Miami neglected to send the state updated changes to its comprehensive plan for the past three years and this possibly is a violate of state law.

Opponents of the 300 Grove Bay project noticed the discrepancy while doing research for their law suits. Just another case of the City leaders playing God. Is this the beginning of the end?

In their need for greed, projects were approved, ignoring the Growth Management Act, not taking into consideration lack of water, transportation and schools and other quality of life issues.
More here.

Basecamp

One Cool World is holding Basecamp in Peacock Park (2820 McFarlane Road) this summer. There is a summer camp, a weekend camp and even birthday parties. Skateboarding, swimming, kayaking, fishing, bike riding and many more activities are offered at beginner to advanced levels.

Last year almost 700 campers participated. You can be part of this fun-filled Grove camp this year. Check out their site here for more info or call 786-290-5150.

Comm. Souto is pissed at Vizcaya

County Commissioner Javier Souto is pissed. He doesn't think the Vizcaya Museum and Trust should be backing any lawsuits against the 300 Grove Bay residences. Story here.

"Metaphysical Mondays"

32 Paths (3444 Main Highway, #17) has an ongoing "Metaphysical Mondays" each week with Sandra Cheryl Richardson. Tonight's event is "The Egyptians", a fascinating occult look at their way of life, their beliefs and their accomplishments. Cost is $25.00.

Check out Metaphysical Mondays each Monday at 8 pm. For more, info, please call 305-265-2228 or email mysticalaamulet@earthlink.net

Many lawsuits against 300 Grove Bay project

Looks like up to six lawsuits have been filed against the 300 Grove Bay Residences. I love Marc Sarnoff's quote: "I'll be surprised if Mercy's towers inevitably get built."

I like the sound of that. Story here.

"Sun Days" at Cafe Tu Tu Tango

Air Jamaica, New Times and Cafe Tu Tu Tango (3015 Grand Ave.) are turning Sundays into "Sun Days" ... literally. Tropical Sun Days at Cafe Tu Tu Tango is starting this Sunday, June 24 and running through Sunday, Aug. 8, 2007.

Join them this and every Sunday in Coconut Grove from 6pm-10pm. Each Sunday you’ll see live entertainment, dancers, bands, steel drums, congas, and more. Drink specials will be served throughout the night with bartenders dressed in Caribbean-style costumes. Each week they will be giving away the Ultimate Escape to Jamaica with airfare for 2 courtesy of Air Jamaica (8 trips total).

For more information, please contact: Andrew Lord at 305.461.5232 or andrew@cafetututango.com

Also note that Cafe Tu Tu Tango gives a 15% discount on food if you use your Code 33 card.

Wine Savvy Saturday

Jimmy Cefalo and Brenda Bassett, shown here, invite you to Cefalo's Wine Cellar (3540 Main Hwy.) which is presenting "Wine Savvy Saturday" tomorrow and upcoming Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 am.

The "Learning About the Grapes" classes are "Pino Grigio & Pinot Gris tomorrow; "California & Other American Cabs" on June 30th and "Riesling & Gerwurztraminer" on July 7th. For more info, you can visit their website here.

Summer specials include: 2 for 1 beer and selected wines by the glass Monday thru Thursday, 10% off Enomatic Cards on Monday, Teachers Night is Tuesday where teachers receive 10% off wine at the bar with teacher ID and Wednesday is "Women Who Wine" night from 7:30 to 9:30 pm where there are specials and hors d'oeuvres.

New Code 33 members

New members:

Shell Lumber & Hardware
2671 SW 27 Ave.
Receive 10% off all Ace paint and lightbulbs

Sign-a-rama (banners & signs)
2749 SW 27 Ave.
Receive 10% off all signs and banners

For info on Code 33, please click here.

Gov. says no to Winton

The temporary removal of Miami City Commission Johnny Winton became permanent today as Gov. Charlie Crist signed an order removing him from office. Story here.

Village Council

I asked yesterday why the Village Council doesn't update its website and inform people of meetings and even post the minutes of their previous meetings. This blog would be an excellent source to disseminate that info. if they would like to send us meeting notices and the minutes the next day. I only brought up the subject because I get emails on a weekly basis with complaints from residents saying they don't know when the meetings are. I was only passing on the info.

The response from Gary Hecht is here in green:

Our meetings are always noticed in the Miami Herald Neighbors section that we meet twice monthly on the first Tuesday at City Hall at 7:00 and the third Tuesday at The Glass House at 7:00. Please remember we don't have a staff, we're not remunerated for our service to the community and hold full time jobs. I devote four hours daily to this community, in addition to being a full-time Realtor. My service necessitates getting up in the morning at 4:30 and attending meetings almost nightly that end often after 10:00 PM. The other Council members are similarly devoted to the Grove and our record of accomplishments clearly reflect our dedication.

I apologized for my oversight and that's that. In two years, there will be elections for the Council. I urge you to run for office. Until then, please call me to volunteer for one of our very active and labor-intensive committees. The energy you devote to being critical could be well spent in truly doing something positive for our community. Let's see if you print this, Tom.

Gary Hecht

With all due respect Gary, I spend hours on the blog and am not paid either. I also run a full time business and am my condo's president and manager among many other things. And I do volunteer for many things in the community.

I would love to run for office, but I'll be long gone from the Grove by then. The Grove and Miami are turning into an overdeveloped, scam filled, money driven place, and I am selling and moving out of state after living in the area almost my whole life. I may need someone to take over the blog at that time. I'll post a notice if that is the case. (Harry can you hear me?)

Also, Gary, the Herald buries the info as a two line blurb hidden among other catch all press releases and I would guess that 80% of the community doesn't read the Herald. And most of the other 20% miss the small blurb when it is run. This week's notice was not even accurate since the meeting was cancelled yet the Herald was telling people that the meeting was on. So much for the Herald.

If you guys can't update your website or post the minutes, maybe you can send us the info and we'll post it. People would love to read the minutes.

The meetings are important and I just feel that if more people knew about them they would attend. They show up for issues like the Home Depot and the Mercy Hospital condos, so people do care. They just need to know the agenda and when and where to be. People forget that the meetings are the first Tuesday at City Hall and the third Tuesday at the Glass House. They are in two different places. It's hard enough to remember if they are the first Tuesday or third Thursday or whatever, let alone if the meetings are at the Glass House or City Hall.

Post the meeting notices. Post the minutes. We live in a digital, electronic age. It's not hard to get the info out. I get emailings from people daily with all sorts of things they want promoted. You guys can easily send me the meeting notices and the minutes the next day. I daresay we get more Grove readers than the Herald's Neighbors section.

Aside from that, you all do an excellent job. No one was putting down your dedication. We all just want to be a part of it and if you don't tell us where and when and what happened after the fact, we can't be a part of it.

That's all. Peace and keep up the good excellent work.

Is there a meeting or not?

There doesn't seem to be much going on in the Grove these days. The Village Council was supposed to be choosing their new members tonight, but you can't tell anything by their website, when you click the agenda for their next meeting, you get the May 24th meeting information. Guess they don't want people to know about what they are up to. I feel they should update their site so people have a clue as to what is going on in the Grove.

That's one big problem with the Grove. No one ever knows when the meetings are, the Village Council doesn't even care enough to update their own website. And even on their monthly calendar, today's date is completely blank. So who the hell knows what is going on.

I think there was a meeting tonight but it was cancelled due to a Civilian Investigative Panel (CIP) meeting at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) at 6pm. This is one of a series of regular monthly panel meetings in each of the City's Districts. Tonight is Dist. 2. Their flyer says they will cover issues of interest and it is an opportunity to hear citizens' comments and input on police conduct in the delivery of service to the community. This agency was created to provide independent oversight of the Miami Police Dept.

The Village Council meeting is now reset for June 28 at 7pm. I think, who knows with them. You think they would let the residents know what is going on. Update your website guys. It only takes seconds a day and really might help in bringing people out to the meetings and other events.

Dinosaurs taking over the Grove

You have probably seen the large dinosaur signs at the Museum of Science (3280 S. Miami Ave.) for quite awhile now, well, today is opening day for "The Dinosaurs of China", the collection of Chinese dinosaur fossils. The exhibit on loan from the Beijing Museum of Natural History offers 14 huge dinosaur skeletons and many other items including rare feathered dinosaurs and birds.

Tickets may be purchased at the museum or here on line. It's $20.00 for adults and $13.00 for children. Students and seniors pay $18.00. The exhibit will be here until next May. You may call 305-646-4200 for more info.

Happy Father's Day

Hope all the Dad's out there have a great Father's Day, in between the raindrops today.

Getting ready for July 4th

The old-fashioned Barnacle Fourth of July is on again this year (3485 Main Highway). There will be all sorts of family-style fun from kite making to knot tying and lots of lawn games and music. There is always lots to eat: hot dogs, watermelon and soda, or bring your own lunch.

The house is decorated in traditional 4th of July bunting as it was back in the day of the Commodore. The day goes from 9 am to 4 pm, when the park closes, but hop on over to Peacock Park afterwards for the nighttime fun. Plans are in the works for a celebration with music, food and drinks and lots of activities ending with fireworks.

Peacock Park is free, the Barnacle fourth is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids 5 to 12. More info: 305-442-6866 or www.FloridaStateParks.org/TheBarnacle

The colors of the Fresh Market

You can click on these photos to see them larger.

The Fresh Market is at 2640 S. Bayshore Drive.

Heart of the Grove Art Gallery showing

The Heart of the Grove Art Gallery & Shop is having it's next event on June 15th. From 6 to 9 pm, original arwork will be shown by the 30 plus members of GroveHouse Artists. Refreshments will be served. The Gallery is at 3439 Main Highway. For info, please call 305-445-1743.

Young Republicans want Johnny in jail

On Tuesday, June 5, the Biscayne Bay Young Republicans (BBYR) issued an official condemnation of former Miami city commissioner Johnny Winton, recently arrested on criminal charges stemming from an event involving an assault on police officers.

The BBYR also formally submitted a letter to the office of Governor Charlie Crist, urging him not to reinstate Winton as a local city official.

The BBYR is the official YR chapter for Miami-Dade county, and has been in existence for more than 25 years.

BBYR Political Action Director Kevin Cerino said of the resolution, "Johnny Winton belongs in jail with Paris Hilton or in rehab with Lindsay Lohan... not on a dais with Manny Diaz."

To see the resolution or speak with a YR board member, you may email Bradley Gerber at bradgerber@yahoo.com

Royal Poinciana Fiesta

The 70th Annual Royal Poinciana Fiesta is this Sunday and Monday, The Kampong is the place to be (4013 Douglas Road). The Tropical Flowering Tree Society organizes this event each year.

There's a tour of The Kampong Sunday at 11 am and the Veteran Motor Car Club of America will be exhibiting vintage cars.

There will be a trolley tour starting at 1pm, which will show off the colorful Poincianas in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. The cost is $20.00 for this. Refreshments will be served afterwards. You may reserve a spot by calling 305-258-1086.

On Monday, there's a free tram tour of Fairchild Tropical Garden (10901 Old Cutler Road).

The 70th Queen and her court will be announced and be presented with scholarship funds. Music will be played, artwork will be shown, refreshments will be served. More info at www.tfts.org or by calling 305-389-5404.

Retain Sarnoff

The Governor was in town yesterday and the Grove's Sue McConnell wasn't shy about letting her feelings be known.

Do not allow this puppet to return

Please click here for the Sun Post's take on the Johnny Winton situation. Just the fact that he allowed Home Depot to enter the Grove is enough to keep him out. He is only for big development, the Mayor and making money at anyone's cost. He doesn't care about people or quality of life. Power goes to his head. So does money.

And to think he wants to come back so he can continue to pave over Miami and be the Mayor's puppet? He would be a lame duck and only be in office for two things -- to get the Mayor's agenda through and to collect a pension. Also maybe a third thing: to keep all the lobbyists on the payroll. You have seen all their lies and stupid comments posted here on this blog -- the ones in favor of Johnny, that's them.

He got us in the Home Depot mess and would gladly have allowed The Related Group to do whatever they wanted at the Mercy Hospital site and even though Miami is a total mess and continues to be overdeveloped, he and the Mayor still want to rape the City by paving over parks and allowing non-stop cement pouring over every green space in Miami. He can do a lot of damage in the few months that he would be allowed back.

So far Gov. Charlie Crist has done everything right, let's hope he continues and says no to the reinstatement of Winton.

Shell Lumber is expanding

Shell Lumber is expanding. They bought Juanita Castro's pharmacy. Let's all support Shell, it's nice to see them investing in the community.

Stupid comments

I am not going to allow stupid comments on this blog anymore.

Like the moron that just posted that Sarnoff is paying the police off and that he is writing letters for them, etc. needs to send some back up proof before their moronic comments are posted. I deleted them and will be moderating the comments from now on.

Same goes for all the wild stupid comments that have been coming in. I need proof from now on when someone is being defamed here. It's one thing to comment on how you feel about something but it is another thing to sound like a f--cking idiot and just say anthing for the sake of saying anything especially when it sounds like a lie. Also, if you want to defame someone, have the balls to sign your name.

You got proof? Send it with your defaming comments. Otherwise keep the comments as your own opinions and don't state facts unless you have proof. You can say, "I hate Sarnoff," but you can't say, "Sarnoff has paid the police department off," unless you have proof.

Thanks

Letter to the Governor

This letter was sent to the governor by Armando Aguilar, President of the Fraternal Order of Police:

Dear Governor Crist,

The Fraternal Order of Police, Miami Lodge #20, represents all City of Miami Police Officers.

As you are well aware, law enforcement is an extremely dangerous profession. While we are charged with the responsibility of protecting our citizens from all types of criminal elements, we never expect to be injured by an elected official. Former City of Miami Commissioner Johnny Winton did just that. He betrayed the public trust by injuring two police officers while in a drunken rage.

You are charged with the responsibility to decide, if Mr. Winton is fit to hold public office. Should you decide to reinstate Mr. Winton as a City of Miami Commissioner, you would be sending a clear message to all law enforcement officers across the State of Florida, that it is acceptable for an elected official to injure a law enforcement officer.

In Mr. Winton’s absent (sic), Commissioner Marc Sarnoff was elected as a City of Miami Commissioner by an overwhelming margin. Commissioner Sarnoff is a man of great integrity, who has demonstrated to be a friend to law enforcement. We strongly support Commissioner Sarnoff, and ask that you retain him as a City of Miami Commissioner.

Should you have any questions, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 305-854-5019.

Yours truly,


Armando Aguilar
President
Miami Fraternal Order of Police.

Did Winton disgrace himself?

Herald editorial:

"Gov. Charlie Crist should put a quick end to speculation about whether suspended Miami City Commissioner Johnny Winton will return to office. The governor should reject Mr. Winton's request to be reinstated to his seat on the commission. The reason is as clear as sunshine: Mr. Winton disgraced himself, his office, his fellow commissioners and city residents in a drunken fight with police at Miami International Airport last year. "

The whole editorial is here.

David Roth performs at Shake-a-Leg tonight

Singer-songwriter, David Roth, from Cape Cod, Mass, performs at Shake-a-Leg tonight.

The show starts at 7 pm at 2620 S. Bayshore Drive, tickets are $10.00, benefiting Shake-a-Leg and it's many programs.

David is described as a cross between James Taylor and Jerry Seinfeld.

Tickets may be purchased on line or by calling 305-858-5550 extension 113. For more information or purchasing assitance e-mail Tracy at tracy@shakealegmiami.org .

Paris Hilton goes to jail party

Just a reminder that the Paris Hilton goes to Jail party is tomorrow, June 5th, at 3484 Main Hwy. Details here.

Menu Pages

Menu Pages from New York, is now in South Florida. You can check out the Grove restaurants here.

St. Alban's

The St. Alban's Child Enrichment Center is a pre-school that has been serving Coconut Grove and South Miami since 1949. Last month they held a graduation ceremony for 100 five-year-olds who are now entering kindergarten in August.

St. Alban's also has a summer program (Summer Time Fun – a focus on land, water and sky) which begins this Monday, June 4 and runs until August 3. Children from 6 weeks to five-years-old are part of the program. Three and four-year-olds are especially encouraged to apply as they may be eligible for free services through either Voluntary Pre Kindergarten (VPK) or Head Start.

St. Alban's receives funding from the Miami Dade County Community Action Agency (CAA) for their Head Start program to serve 232 children for 8 hours a day for 175 days per year. In February CAA decided to issue an RFP for the services and only allow the non profit providers $5,387 per child while the county provides the same service at $9,742 per child. In addition to the budget cut the county also reduced the number of children that they can now serve from 232 to 140. This has resulted in over 100 families without childcare and a $420,000 operational deficit that the county is expecting St. Alban's to cover in order to remain operational. The decision by CAA is hurting St. Alban's and they are hoping for some sort of help in restoring their program to current year levels.

If anyone has a solution, please contact Sharie A. Blanton, Exec. Director at 305-443-1234. Their website is here: www.stalbanschildcare.org

Grove artists in South Beach

I saw Coconut Grove artist Fred Hunt (above) on Channel 6's South Florida Today yesterday morning along with AnnaMaria Windish-Hunt. They were promoting a Miami Beach event, "Beach Beyond Deco" She has done four such events for the Grove.

For this weekend's event, check out http://www.mdpl.org/Events/gallery.html. This painting competition is open to all artists and art students are encouraged to participate. All completed art work will hang in the Miami Design Preservation League's Visitor Center for six weeks. The reception for the event is June 5, from 6 to 8 pm at their location at 10th Street and Ocean Drive. It's free.

Reinstate Johnny or not?

I received the following email. I'm not sure what to make of it:


PLEASE TAKE ACTION AND FORWARD IMMEDIATELY

Reliable sources say that attorneys and/or lobbyists (aren't they usually the same) are in Tallahassee right now lobbying Governor Crist to reinstate Johnny Winton to the Miami City Commission.

I urge you to take action now.....It will take a maximum of 5-7 minutes.

Call Citizen Services at 850 488 4441 and the Executive Office of the Governor at 850 488 7146 and tell them you have a message concerning an ELECTED OFFICAL so the message gets sent to the proper person.

Tell the message taker you want to be counted as urging Governor Crist NOT to reinstate Johnny Winton to the Miami City Commission......Be sure to tell them you are a voter in the district.

Then go to the web site of Governor Crist at: http://www.flgov.com/contact_form and type a short message.

There is a drop down category thing so the email gets directed to the right person.....Click on ELECTED OFFICIALS, fill in your information and then type a short message.

Below is a sample message:

Governor Crist,

Please do not reinstate Johnny Winton to the Miami City Commission. He is very controversial given his drunken behavior and unethical land deals with Mayor Diaz and a former city manger.

Miami is in a fragile financial condition and the newly elected Commissioner is doing an outstanding job of representing the true interests of District Two residents in which I live and vote.

Guess you can also fill in the form if you are in favor of Johnny's return, too.