Quit yer belly achin'

I have to laugh, this post about Señor Frogs has turned into a noise issue debate.

No matter what the noise ordinances are, let's be real: You move across the street from a restaurant and bar and you are going to hear noise. To complain all the time is idiotic.

I live next to Mercy Hospital, I expect to hear ambulances, do you think I call Mercy every time one goes by? And get this: The music and noise from Vizcaya flows over to us during the season constantly, I am hearing noisy wedding parties until 1 am on a regular basis. And Grove Isle is the worst -- the music and noise that flows over from them is really annoying.

But we live with it. Even in a residential area.

For people in the Cloisters and other neighborhoods near the Center Grove to complain about noise from across the street, down the block or even Peacock Park is stupid. Real stupid. That Cloisters land should have been a park anyway, the City sees nothing wrong with spending billions on a Mega Plan (without even a public vote) that most don't want, and yet they could not pony up for a small park in the Grove at the time it was available, which was the right thing to do.

Art doings at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery

Betty Ann Pober and Jeff Passage, both artists at the Windish-Hunt Fine Art Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue), check out Betty Ann's window. The art in the window is changed every few weeks or so.

The Children's Trust Miami Heart Gallery project is still running until September 7. The gallery is running on summer hours: Tuesday thru Friday, 6 to 10 pm; Saturday, noon to 10 pm, Sunday, noon to 9 pm, closed Monday.

AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt informs me that the Children's Trust is interested in doing a more "formal show" this fall, maybe to coincide with the Art Stroll.

Now speaking of the Art Stroll is it still the first Saturday or is it now the second Saturday? I am getting conflicting stories. Seems like no one wants to take it on and do it right.

Peeking in windows . . .

The Heart of the Grove (3439 Main Hwy.) window this week. For art, clothing and one-of-a-king jewelry, stop in. More info here.

I caught them, they caught lobster

Just caught these guys with my camera. A happy crew coming in with their dinner, as you know, today was the first day of the two day lobster mini-season.

Chamber mixer tomorrow night

Please click on the image for larger version.

Yummy

I caught these two little ones sharing Yogurbella frozen yogurt at CocoWalk.

The neighbors are not amused

Which local establishment had a private swingers party last week, where 300 people attended (all couples)?

Business is slow and they needed to mix things things up a bit, so apparently they advertised to swingers through private channels and the place was packed. Word of mouth is spreading fast, people want to know about the next party.

The Frog is croaking

Rumor has it that Señor Frog's is closing soon. A new Mexican restaurant will be leasing the space from the building owner.

As for that empty lot next door, no one is talking, they tell me it's a big "political mess" involving the city, whatever that means.

Anyway, that's the scoop today, you can tell everyone you "heard it through the Grapevine."

"Breaking Dawn" party on Friday night

The Bookstore In the Grove (3399 Virginia Street) is having a party this Friday night, counting down to the release of Stephenie Meyer's new book "Breaking Dawn."

There will be plenty of food and entertainment ranging from the Forks High School bake sale to fortune tellers. You can test your knowledge with the book trivia contest and there are plenty of prizes. There's also a costume contest, so go dressed as your favorite character!

The party is 10 pm to 1 am, this Friday, August 1.

"Chillin' 'n Grillin" BBQ this Friday

The Coconut Grove Collaborative is holding "Chillin' 'n Grillin," a barbecue cookout on Friday, August 1 to raise money for community development programs. It's at the southwest corner of Grand Avenue and Douglas Road. If there's a rain out, the location will be 3628 Grand Avenue.

The cookout is from 3 to 8 pm. Golden Rib and House of Wings will be featured.

For more info, please call: 305-445-2418 or visit www.cgcollaborative.org

Rehage Jewelry is having a summer sale

Steven Anton Rehage Jewelry (3162 Commodore Plaza) is having their annual sample and overstock sale. Everything, including their latest collection, will be reduced 30 to 70% (and sometimes more).

The sale is Thursday, July 31 from 6 to 10 pm. They're calling it an "Enchanting evening of champagne, shopping and mystical surprises."

VIP private appointments are available Tuesday and Wednesday, July 29 and 30. To schedule a private peek or for more info, please call 305-441-0414.

The best way to get around town

Love the rickshaw guys. I'm surprised no one has a horse and buggy like in New York, around Central Park. Maybe it's too hot here for the horses.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Free Yoga in the park

The free Yoga Miami classes are drawing larger and larger crowds each week. They start at 9:30 am on Saturday mornings, in Kennedy Park, usually around Kirk Street.

For more info, please call: 305-673-8496 or 305-608-6082.

Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Being an "extra" on "Burn Notice"

Sandrine, who does the "Not Exactly Coral Gables" blog was an extra on "Burn Notice" recently. She talks a little about her Grove experience here.

Tula and Tupi's invite you to their sale

Tula and Tupi, the children's store at 3113 Commodore Plaza is having a storewide 20% off sale this tomorrow and Thursday, to make way for the ton of new merchandise coming their way in the next few weeks.

They of course always have their "50% off" sale rack, too.

Their store hours are Mon-Wed 10-9, Thursday - Sat 10-10 and Sunday 12-8. They may be reached at 786-282-6218.

Leave the Grove and save on gas

I hope the Grove doesn't turn into South Beach, with overpriced gas stations just because they can. Here are current prices as of today at three stations in the area:

BP - $4.29 - Bird and 27th
Shell - $4.19 - 27th and US1
Sunoco - $3.95 - Coral way and 27th

You're actually lucky if you can get gas at BP, they are usually out of gas most of the time.

Coral Way, here I come.

Six Grove restaurants part of Miami Spice

The popular Miami Spice starts this Friday, August 1 and there are six restaurants in the Grove as part of the promotion.

It's not easy to be part of Miami Spice, you have to be Zagat-rated and you need to pass Miami Spice's strict guidelines. Many apply, only few are approved.

The Grove restaurants who are part of this year's Miami Spice are:

Baleen at Grove Isle
Bizcaya at the Ritz Carlton
Cita's
Christabelle's Quarter
Focaccia Rustica
Nikki Coconut Grove

In Cita's case, since they are so new, they had to provide dishes from their menu for review, which obviously the judges loved.

For more info and updated restaurants, please visit: http://ilovemiamispice.com

Biker buds

A group of friends enjoyed Commodore Plaza yesterday. They managed to find great parking for their motorcycles, all in a row. (If you click on the photo, it will open larger).

Anokha tried to open last night

Rohit Patel and Nick Patel owners of Anokha Indian Restaurant, flank guests Mike and Jacqueline Menendez, that's chef Bavesh Patel, in white, behind them.

Anokha sort of had their opening last night, but some permit issues kept them from serving guests, so they offered samples and appetizers, along with drinks to those who showed up.

We'll keep you posted on when they will open for sure. As you know, Anokha moved from their Commodore Plaza location to a larger new place at 3324 Virginia Street, right across from the Mayfair Hotel.

Some of the samplings last night: Duck Samosa, rice with goat curry, Spinach and Paneer Samosa.

Photos by Sylvia Rodriguez

It's hard to believe it's the middle of summer

I have to admit, I have been to Chili's twice already and they are only open a week. And I don't even like their food! I guess I just like healthier stuff. Maybe it's the novelty of it all, but it is an easy place to run in and out of, especially after I leave the gym across the street.

Between Chili's and the new Starbucks, CocoWalk is really a happening place these days.

They are both crowded most of the time, which is bringing business to the whole area. Can't wait for Crazy Pianos to open in the fall.

Anokha's opening was held up by the City

Unfortunately, Anokha Indian Restaurant did not open tonight
as planned. They had some sort of City inspection problems.

They did offer guests who showed up, complimentary cocktails and appetizers and samples, so apparently the kitchen and food are fine, most likely it is a permit issue or something like that.

Sylvia was on the scene and got photos of those who did show up tonight, we'll post them tomorrow.

Chamber's next networker at Bice Bistro

Please click on the image for a larger version.

Gobble, gobble, gobble

Gobbling the food down at Jaguar on a hot summer day. Be careful when you see me around with my camera. I might catch you.

I'm at Chili's, join me!

I am at the new Chili's. I've been sitting here being ignored for about 10 minutes. Ironically two of us were here yesterday and we could not hold a conversation because the staff was all over us every three seconds. Guess they have a slower staff on weekends.

Anyway I am here alone. Come over if you are in the area. I'll buy you
a drink.

Grove parking is a tricky issue for everyone

A couple of people emailed me about this truck recently, in fact, I drove by it myself yesterday, it's like a big wall in the Home Depot lot.

It has been parked day and night recently without moving. According to reports I received, the authorities were notified, the driver and company were fined and it should be gone.

It has nothing to do with Home Depot, in fact, Home Depot reported this to the city themselves. I'm guessing it's someone who lives in the area, in a place that cannot accommodate trucks of this size (can any residence?) or the driver sleeps in the cab at night between hauls.

Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

St. Stephen's Kicks Off Red Cross Training

St. Stephen's is holding a standard first aid program for adults and children. In this six and a half hour class, participants will learn the skills to recognize and care for cardiac emergencies in adults and children and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
The class also includes skills to care for poisoning, bleeding, diabetic emergencies, exposure to heat and cold, seizures, and injuries to bones, muscles and joints.

Participants will receive a booklet and skill cards to use reference material after the course. This course meets the ECC 2005 Guidelines and OSHA requirements.

DATE: Saturday, August 16th
PLACE: St. Stephen's, 2750 McFarlane Road
TIME: 9 am - 4:30 pm
COST: $62
Reduced rate parking is available in the St. Stephen's lot.

For info, please call Robin at St. Stephen's at 305.448.2601.

It's about real people and jobs

Here are portions of a letter sent out today by Graham Winick, President, Film Florida:

"Today, the Miami production community took a step forward. Without a single one of our voices being heard in the Miami City Commission Chamber, our presence spoke volumes. We did not achieve a complete victory, but I would argue we got more than we hoped to get. The Miami Commissioners did pass Resolution 5 unanimously, approving recommendation to proceed in principal with the Sasaki Associates waterfront master-plan. However, because four of the five commissioners expressed concern for the demolition of the Coconut Grove Expo Center and eviction of its current tenant, Fox/ USA's Burn Notice, the resolution passed amended to allow Burn Notice to at least complete Season 3, should the network pick up the show.

"Those fifty or so of us who filled the chamber and cheered and jeered at the appropriate times never were afforded a chance to speak. It was a resolution and did not mandate public comment. But frankly, the Commissioners, with the exception of Sarnoff, spoke rather well on our behalf. Unfortunately Commissioner Sarnoff was able to misrepresent certain elements of the situation without a proper defense provided, but hopefully that will be corrected shortly. For those of you who made it, thank you. For those of you that could not make it, but wrote letters and emails to the Commission, thank you as well. Rest assured, your voice was heard.

"This meeting was televised locally and streamed online, where its conclusion was met with joy in Tallahassee, Los Angeles and even Denmark! But as wonderful as the conclusion was, the greatest thrill I had today was walking across that scorching parking lot that sits between City Hall and the Expo Center to share the news with the cast and crew of Burn Notice, many of them offering hugs and covered in goose-bumps, thrilled that they will, in all likelihood, keep their jobs for the next year or so. This is for them. This is for us."

Motorcycle accident hits close to home

I didn't say anything at first, because I wanted to get Jorge's permission to post this, but many of you may not know that Jorge Fernandez's brother Rick, was the one killed in the motorcycle accident in Pembroke Pines the other day.

Many of you have known Jorge for years as your pet and house sitter. He's the best sitter in the Grove.

I just thought you would all want to know.

Calm down, let them film, the park will happen

I am not crazy about Comm. Marc Sarnoff's insistence that the Expo Center be demolished to make way for the Waterfront Master Plan right now. What is the rush? Why is it that the other four commissioners see that there is no rush? In fact, I am still a little bothered by the fact that I am in agreement with Commissioners Michelle Spence-Jones, Joe Sanchez and Angel Gonzalez. I feel like I am in the Bizarro World or something -- you know, up is down, in is out, black is white -- the Twilight Zone!

I know that Sarnoff is excited about the Waterfront plan, we all are.

I am glad to see that "Burn Notice" will be allowed to stay until they complete filming season three next year. Every one of the commissioners used their brains yesterday it seems, except for our own district commissioner, who should actually care about what his constituents want. Even the most die hard fans of the park plan have compromised and said the order of the phases can be tweaked a bit to accommodate the tv production.

If "Burn Notice" doesn't mind using the dilapidated Expo Center as home, why does anyone else?

I am even excited to see the place blown up as part of one of their episodes. But what's the rush?

I understand we all want open park land (love that), but why kill "Burn Notice" to have an empty lot sit there until the money is raised to even start the major park project? The idea of "showing progress" and that something is being done doesn't make sense. It's a done deal, the Master Plan has been approved, no one needs to prove anything to anyone. That is our park land now. Let's not celebrate by kicking out our friends and neighbors from "Burn Notice."

Why does it have to come down to the cast and crew from a famous tv program to actually stop production, show up at a Commission meeting, and beg for their livelihood when it all makes sense to allow them to work? The old building has been there for almost 50 years, is another year or so going to make a difference? Do you really want these people to lose their jobs or have to move production to Louisiana or somewhere else?

Yesterday's paper said tourism is drastically down. How about keeping this free Miami and Coconut Grove publicity machine running? Did you see the Barnacle on last night's show? Do you see how they film in a color noir sort of way? Every scene is a work of art. It exposes our community to the world. Did you see the last scene when they left Carlito's restaurant (shown above and below) driving off into the colorful world of beautiful people, surf boards, palm trees and a fantasy land? That was the Expo Center! Here is what it looks like when not on film.

It is such a high compliment to know that the cast and crew want to be in the Grove and not other parts of Miami. That means something. They are basically part of everyday life now and we all like it. The film industry is a clean industry and highly desired by every city in the nation. And we have it and for some stupid reason one or two people want to lose it for us.

Let's have a little class. It really is not about a tv show, it is about a group of people wanting to complete a project they started. Since it makes no sense to demolish the Expo Center at this point, it makes sense leave it and let them work until they absolutely have to go, which is what the Commisson seemed to decide yesterday.

Hopefully "Burn Notice" will go on for many years and hopefully by the time the third season is complete, some time next spring or summer, there will be another home for the production. And they can all stay in Miami, if not the Grove, and know they are welcome and wanted.

It's going to be sad when they leave the Grove. For them and for us.

Where is all the traffic?

Have you noticed there aren't many cars on the road these days? Is it summer? Is it the price of gas?

This is South Miami Avenue, in front of Mercy Hospital about 8:45 am yesterday. It should be rush hour right? Is everyone getting to their desks early these days, before 9 am?

Maybe people are taking Metrorail. Either way I like that there is no traffic, but it is scary in a way if it is a US economy issue.

Waterfront Master Plan approved
"Burn Notice" allowed to stay a while longer

The Sasaki Associates met the City Commission today and gave their never ending Waterfront Master Plan presentation (coming to a city near you). The City Commission approved the Waterfront Master Plan a few minutes ago. For now "Burn Notice" can stay at the Expo Center through season three.

As expected, the Expo Center subject came up right away. Comm. Tomas Regalado asked a Sasaki representative what he recommended for the Center and "Burn Notice." The rep. said the Expo Center demolition should happen asap, he got audible boos from the audience.

He went on to say that the Expo Center is in the wrong place and should be torn down at once. (Wish someone thought of that almost 50 years ago when it was first built).

Comm. Regalado questioned why the Expo Center could not continue as a tv/movie studio for the time being and got applause.

Comm. Marc Sarnoff said there have been over 40 meetings on the whole Master Plan subject. And at every meeting, it was agreed to by everyone that the Expo Center should be torn down right away. Sarnoff then quoted me, but attributed it to the newspaper. I said, "Basically it came down to this: TV watchers were in favor of keeping the Expo Center for a bit longer, those who don't watch TV are indifferent,"
in this post.

That being said, Sarnoff said "Burn Notice" should be allowed to film season three and have them blow up the Expo Center in an episode. And yet, he wants the Expo Center torn down asap, so I don't know how that can be accomplished unless they rush filming of season three, season two is currently being filmed. Ironically, these debates seem to always be on Thursdays, the day "Burn Notice" is on tv -- tonight, 10 pm, USA network.

A rumor according to Sarnoff is that the old Arena downtown is being torn down and a state of the art movie/tv sound stage may be built there. So perhaps "Burn Notice" can move there.

Comm. Joe Sanchez felt that the third season should be allowed to filmed at the Expo Center, especially in these hard economic times. He does not want to rush into knocking it down. He felt it made no sense to leave the land sitting there dormant (the whole park plan could take 10 to 20 years).

Sanchez likes and watches "Burn Notice." He said the exposure that Miami and the Grove gets from "Burn Notice" is "priceless."

Comm. Gonzalez showed up late for the meeting but I loved everything he said. I actually think Hell froze over today, because this is the first time I have ever agreed with him 100%. He felt that the Expo Center should remain until money is in place for phase one of the whole Master Plan. He says that for years, everyone keeps talking about the building falling down, yet it is still there.

Gonzalez supports the Master Plan, but is against demolishing the Expo Center right away. He says to demolish a crack house takes years of meetings and planning. Why is it so easy to just do away with the Expo Center? He asked for a report that says the building is condemned. There is none.

Gonzalez said the Orange Bowl was in worse shape and went on for years. So now the Orange Bowl is gone and there is an empty lot and he said there may not be a Marlins Stadium. Empty land sits there and may sit there for years. He got applause for that.

Comm. Michelle Spence-Jones also was concerned about rushing in to demolish the Expo Center. She also said she wanted to see the resources put in place before demolition is started and she too was concerned about putting people out of work. (Hell froze over again).

So the the windup is that the Waterfront Master Plan was approved by the whole City Commission and "Burn Notice" will be allowed to stay for the filming of season three. Exact dates for that will be discussed at a later date.

City Commission passes BID resolution

The current Business Improvement Committee (BIC) wants to become a Business Improvement District (BID) and the City Commission is all for it. A resolution was passed seconds ago (all in favor) to have Dave Collins, executive director, proceed with the plan.

This has been Dave's baby for a long time. It would allow the Grove to manage itself and provide services that the City does not provide or provide well. The City manager agreed to maintain the baseline services. Now a vote is needed by the various business owners to allow this self governance (to add and enhance services). The Grove will then decide what they want and need -- more police? more lighting? more garbage pick up? more marketing? This would all be in the hands of the Grove, not the City.

It is the next best thing to breaking away from Miami officially.

The BID is also known as a "self-taxing district." The current BIC is an advisory committee. The BID would actually govern itself with a governing body and staff. It will have an annual budget, based on a business plan. The plan could be modified on an annual basis.

The BID will not include Village West at this point and just cover the Central Business area. Stuart Sorg stood up and was concerned that the Bird Avenue area and Village West is left out of the first phase. But the Commissioners were all totally in favor and now the process starts. It is now up to the business owners to decide if they want this.

"This is a step in the right direction," said Comm. Joe Sanchez.

The first change you would see is cleanliness -- the Grove would be spotless according to Dave Collins. Marketing would be the second biggest difference and of course police officers would be on the street immediately, walking an old-fashioned beat, according to Dave.

But again, this is a long tedious process that starts today. Dave and his group now have to convince over 100 landlords and over 200 businesses to tax themselves and govern themselves.

What's with the rusty bicycles?

I noticed this odd thing at the waterfront, near the Seminole Boat Ramp and the marina -- various bike racks full of bikes -- old, rotten bikes. Most looked abandoned.

Do they belong to the live aboards? Did these people park their bikes and just disappear into the bay, never to return?

Anokha Indian Restaurant to open Saturday

There's another restaurant to add to our list of new places opening. In this case, a reopening.

Anokha Indian Restaurant, a Grove favorite, will be opening in their new location on Saturday, July 26 at 6 pm. As you know they moved from their Commodore Plaza location to 3324 Virginia Street.

Entrees are served over Bunsen burners here, to keep them from getting cold. Starters include potato-carrot croquettes flavored with cumin and mint, and carrots cooked with milk and cream. For a main course, try cauliflower curry in coconut sauce or lamb in almond cream sauce. The restaurant's name means "unique" and that it is. They also accept the Code 33 card.

Spot zoning is not allowed

On July 10, Comm. Marc Sarnoff made a pocket motion at a Commission meeting to direct the City Attorney NOT to appeal the decision of the Miami-Dade Circuit Court to the Third District Court of Appeal pertaining to the Mercy Hospital/300 Bay Residences project.

The Vizcayans, Grove Isle Association and neighbors in the Glencoe area sued to overturn the City's rezoning of the site. The motion passed and the Mercy Hospital site will return to its original zoning of Government/Institution (G/I).

HH Jewels robbers caught

The two punks who robbed HH Jewels last week, Alphanso Gainer (left) and Kelvin L. Mosley, both 20 years old (actually Kelvin will be 20 this Friday), will be celebrating Kelvin's birthday behind bars.

They were caught yesterday. City of Miami cops did an excellent job on this one.

Keep jobs in the area; let's keep "Burn Notice"

I just received this email:

"I work in the talent industry in Miami and received your email address (for the Grapevine) from an insider with the "Burn Notice" production. You should post this. Please don't post my name.

This is very important and I need your help. As you may or may not know, "Burn Notice" got picked up for a third season. However, the city of Miami is wanting to tear down our sound stage which is the Coconut Grove Convention Center (Expo Center). There is a meeting tomorrow at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) to discuss the issue. I would like everyone who lives in Miami or has a business in Miami to please attend. They don't understand how much work is provided and how much the city benefits from "Burn Notice." If they tear down the Convention Center, "Burn Notice" will leave. Also, please know that the city has no immediate plans or funds for this land. The city will in no way benefit from this destruction, it will only cause hardship.

I will be there, and I would like you all to show up, as there is strength in numbers. With the loss of incentives in the state, we must unite and try to keep our industry alive in Florida."

Note: It is item RE6. It should be heard later in the day, we're not sure the exact time. You may see the meeting on Channel 77 or live stream here: http://videos.miamigov.com , but of course it would be best for a large turnout in person.

Pigs

Although just a few business do this (we all know who they are), all businesses received this letter from the NET office today:

"This letter is being written to advise you that it has been brought to our attention that after staff cleans the gutter in front of your place of business that your maintenance staff is throwing the trash unto the streets again. It is imperative that the joint effort we had in the past be fortified by combining our efforts again. Please advise your maintenance staff that they are to pickup the trash on the sidewalk and that they are not to throw it unto the street or gutter, as per City of Miami Code, Section 22-5 (attached), which states in part: “…Every merchant, storekeeper or operator of a business in the city shall sweep or cause to be swept as often as necessary to keep the sidewalks adjoining his respective place of business before 10:00 am every morning, or as often as necessary to keep the area clean, on each day that such business shall be operated. Said sweepings shall be picked up and not swept in gutter.”

Please be advised that the Department of Solid Waste and NET maintains and coordinates the cleaning of the streets Monday through Friday beginning at 3:00 a.m. They clean the gutters before the cars start to come into the area for breakfast and other businesses. We will be having inspectors monitor the business areas. Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall constitute a violation and serve as the basis for the assessment of a fine."

I don't think the letter will work because the offending parties never see themeslves, but I have seen so many slobs do this, just sweep everthing into the street. Maybe Harry needs to get out there again and take some photos of the offending slobs.

It's like they never existed

So a crew from Qdoba locations in Orlando were here bright and early this morning, picking the carcass of our now defunct Grove Qdoba.

The place is totally gutted now, the sign actually came down yesterday. No wasting time there. If only they had worked this fast when they were setting up the restaurant, I think that dragged on for nearly a year and within two days, the place looks like a set from "Burn Notice," here today, gone tomorrow.

We lost Häagen-Dazs for this?

Burn Notice is filming all over today

Here is Jeffrey Donovan, who plays Michael Westen on the set of "Burn Notice" today. They are currently filming at the promenade at Mayfair.

There's lots of activity going on. It's great when they film in the Central Grove, it adds so much life and a lot of buzz to the area.

This is of course between takes. There is a lot of hurry up and wait. Jeffrey was reading his script and going over things with the director.

And over at our little ol' Seminole Boat Ramp, you'll see this nice scene tucked into a corner by the water. It's some kind of set being use for filming later today.

It's right at the water's edge. Why can't city planners hook up with some movie and tv people and have them plan some places for the city or village? This would be such a great spot if it were real. Alas, at the end of today, it will all be gone.

I should have saved it and put it on ebay

I was talking about reading the mocha in the latte like tea leaves yesterday and I actually missed what was staring me right in the face. Lilliana Dones pointed it out and she sent me this image back -- it's the Blessed Mother!

Burning up the Grove, again

Our lovely friends at "Burn Notice" will be filming round the Grove tomorrow.

From 7 am to 11:30 am they will be filming at the Mayfair promenade, like they did last time.

After that, they will be at the Seminole Boat Ramp, topic of many discussions lately (here and here). They will have an outdoor café set up, the boat ramp will be open.

Later in the afternoon, they will be filming driving shots up and down South Bayshore Drive, with a police escort to keep the lookie loos away and out of the scenes.

Children's book reading tomorrow

The Bookstore in the Grove (3399 Virginia Street) will be having a children's book reading on tomorrow, July 23 at 3 pm. So bring the kiddies out for some culture. The reading is targeted for kids 2-5, but all are welcome. It's free.

The come and they go -- fast

Looks like Fonzie's is gone. The windows are boarded closed and there's a for sale sign up.

More park problems

Seems like Grove residents want to reclaim all of their parks these days and just kick out the visitors. First the Seminole Boat Ramp and now a reader wrote me, concerned about parking at the dog and kiddie park at Shipping and Virginia. She says that the neighbors with no additional parking use the few park spots when needed and that too many people from other areas are coming to the park.

She writes: "I'm curious why they didn't build in parking areas or at least zone it for Coconut Grove residents only instead of allowing overflow from South Miami and the Gables to use this park at the expense of Grove residents. It seems like an easy fix if we were to treat the area in the same fashion as other communities do where as the area is available to Grove residents and others at a small cost to go towards maintenance (i.e. The Venetian Pools in the Gables)."

Thoughts?

Patriotic Mocha Latte

We have so many coffee places in the Grove. Take your pick, bring a friend and enjoy a quiet moment. You can almost tell your fortune by reading the chocolate swirls in this mocha latte, as if they were tea leaves.

You can't have anything nice

I received the following photos and email from Lilliana Dones, president of the Grove Chamber of Commerce and member of the Village Council. (If you click on the photos, they will open larger).

"What you saw today, unfortunately, is the norm. In fact it's not over. As I write this (8:30 pm) I have a good view of the ramp, and it looks like Sea Tow is over there dealing with something, and possibly a police boat with lights flashing. Can't tell because it's too dark.

The overcrowding makes for tension between the ramp users. Living across the street, and being regular walkers of the parks and marina, we have observed, in the last couple years how the boats kept getting bigger so the trailers got bigger, and so did the SUV's that need to haul them, resulting in some of the images we took on Saturday of last week.

Trailers dangling precariously, sometimes ending in the water when the driver, at the end of the day of sun and fun (and possibly, some beers) hits reverse. I have also seen quite a few cars end up in the water, including a BMW and a Hummer.

Then there are the ones that simply ignore the No Parking or Ramp Full signs and park on the grass, which results in burned up grass. (Fortunately for the grass, it's been raining a lot). The Marina security guard on duty when these photos were taken, told us they were there when she arrived in the morning and she promptly called the Miami Parking Authority (MPA), which showed up while we were still on the lot.

On the way back from our walk, we checked the windshields, curious to see what the ticket would be. There were no tickets. We then saw the MPA officer, who explained a he called the towing company.

Anyone who's ever had the experience of having a car towed can only imagine the extreme hassle of having to retrieve a towed trailer, especially at the end of a day in which you are, for sure, tired, irritable and wanting to go home. (What do you do with the boat while you go fetch the trailer back from who know where?) . But get this, one of the homeless who hang out beneath the big tree came over and pointed out he had warned these guys about getting towed, and their response was "we don't care, we have money." Money for what? At the end of the day they still had to fetch their trailers themselves!

When Seminole ramp was redone a few years ago, there were nice landscaping details, such as hedges surrounding the parking lot.

I recall going to the presentations before the Seminole Boat Ramp was redone, and that was a big deal because it somewhat screened the cars from view of those using the walking and jogging path. Due to the large size of the vehicles, the have literally "grilled" away the hedge.

All this was once covered with hedge. Also, here is another side effect: garbage cans filled to brim (most are before noon on a Saturday). And speaking of garbage, notice the garbage on the rocks.

We agree that power boaters need have a place to launch, but the Seminole Boat Ramp has long been outgrown. To insist it remain is not unlike Cinderella's step sisters trying to shoe-horn their way into that glass slipper."