The Deering Estate Foundation is excited to announce the highly-anticipated 18th annual Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay

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March 25, 2024

Calling all seafood lovers! Join us on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the Deering Estate, for the award-winning Deering Seafood Festival. Guests can enjoy everything from cooking demonstrations by top Miami chefs and delicious food from South Florida restaurants to live music, a Bahamian Junkanoo parade, boat rides, a beer lounge, a dedicated kid’s area and more.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to once again welcome our neighbors and friends to the 18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival, which is undeniably one of our most anticipated events of the year,” says Nina Zanella, Executive Director of The Deering Estate Foundation. “We have so much to be excited about this year’s festival weekend, starting with a special Chef’s Table on the Bay – Night in the Tropics starring Chef Eileen Andrade of Finka Table and Tap, Barbakoa by Finka, and Amelia’s 1931, and we can’t wait to share it with the community, Board members and generous sponsors and vendors who never fail to make our events so memorable.”

Chef’s Table on the Bay – Night in the Tropics

To kick-off the weekend, Deering Estate will host Chef’s Table on the Bay – Night in the Tropics on Friday, April 12, 2024, the fifth iteration of its wildly successful Chef’s Table on the Bay – Havana Nights that debuted in October 2021.

This outdoor dining experience will start with a cocktail hour on the lawn presented by Golden Rule Seafood, BreakThru Beverage, La Tropical Brewery, and Sysco South Florida, and move on to cooking demonstrations and a multiple-course dinner by star chef Eileen Andrade.

Before establishing herself as one of Miami’s most lauded young chefs/restaurateurs, Chef Eileen Andrade spent much of her childhood in the kitchen working with family at their legendary Islas Canarias, one of Miami’s most iconic and culturally relevant Cuban restaurants.

From an early age, Andrade displayed a keen interest in creative endeavors, especially those with a gastronomic bent. For years she worked in the family restaurant, learning the ropes and absorbing the sights, smells, stresses, and sensations of restaurant life. Seeking an opportunity to strike out on her own–with her family’s blessing, Andrade (with her brother Jonathan) launched the CUBAN CUBE food truck. Described by the chef as both “exhausting and thrilling,” as well as a “self-taught cooking school on wheels,” the truck quickly gained popularity on the streets as well as at event appearances and food truck rallies.

It would be a random trip to South Korea in 2013 that would change the trajectory of her life. “I had lived in a fantastic and loving ‘Miami bubble’ my whole life,” comments Andrade, who was born and raised in the 305 and still calls Miami home. “The trip to South Korea was an amazing and rather unplanned adventure that blew open the doors for me and changed how I cooked and thought about food forever.”

This special evening is sponsored by Amerant Bank, Smile Institute Miami, Shutts & Bowen, Drew Kern Team, and Tonkinson Financial. Event details and tickets online.

18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival

Here is what guests can look forward to at the 18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival:

Food & Drink Vendors

At the Deering Seafood Festival, guests will be able to buy food and drinks from some of South Florida’s best restaurants and suppliers. Participating seafood restaurants include Golden Rule Seafood, Sports Grill, Catering by Les, Chef Winston Catering, Antigua Barbuda, Popos Seafood, Conch Mania, Mr. Cobbs BBQ, Rodbenders Raw Bar and Grill, Paella Party, Catering by Les, Conch Mania and Pub Grill. Other food vendors guests can get excited about are Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream and Sugar Boutique. Eagle Brands will be onsite selling Stella Artois, Kona Big Wave, and Michelob Ultra. And, don’t forget the Frozen Drink Booth courtesy of Bombarda Rum.

Chef Demo Tent

Sponsored by the Deering Estate Foundation, the Chef Demo Tent is one of the highlights of the Deering Seafood Festival. It is where six fabulous South Florida chefs present 45-minute cooking demonstrations of their favorite seafood dishes, many of which are from their restaurant menus. Five demos will be led by chefs from popular Miami restaurants, and the final demo will be completed by the student winner of our annual Deering Seafood Festival Culinary Student Competition, which takes place at Florida International University (FIU) College of Culinary Arts on March 14, 2024.

This year, the Chef Demo Tent will feature, among others, Chef Nivan Patel from Orno, Chef Fernando Salazar from Platea, Chef Jorge Mas, from Kuba Cabana, and the winner of the FIU Cooking Competition.
Throughout the day, a team of FIU culinary students will serve as sous chefs to those leading the Chef Demonstration, helping them to prepare their dish and clean up the cooking area.

All cooking demonstrations are free with admission. Audiences are limited to 100 guests per demo, and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees will enjoy samples of the food prepared by the chef, get a copy of the recipe, and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Entertainment & Activities

While Florida’s freshest fish and seafood are always the main event, nonstop entertainment will keep the family dancing all day long. The festival will kick off with a Bahamian Junkanoo band and Virgin Island stilt walkers parading through Deering Estate, followed by performances by Caribbean Music Farm and Brothers of Others.

There will be a craft beer area and, for the first time ever, a special “Masters” golf area in a shaded area with tables and chairs so that guests can watch the last day of the Masters Tournament or test their skill on a putting green provided by Monster Grass. There will also be Irish Whiskey tasting provided by Cairlinn Bay.

Guests who want to get out on the water can take guided Pelican Skipper pontoon boat rides (for an additional fee) from Deering Estate to Chicken Key. Back on land, arts aficionados can wander down Artists Lane and find handmade paintings, photography, crafts, and jewelry by local artisans.

Just for Kids

Presented by Kiddos Magazine, The Deering Seafood Festival will have a special “Spring Fun Kid’s Zone” with arts and crafts, a DJ, interesting exhibits, games, kid-friendly food, raffles, a magic show, a toddler play area, and lots of other fun activities for the kids!

Also at the festival, the Deering Discovery Cove will return with fun, educational programming and activities from Deering Estate’s environmental classes and camps! These classes attract more than 17,000 children throughout the year both virtually and in person.

Tickets

Festival attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. Tickets for adults are priced at $25 in advance and $30 at the gate, and tickets for children ages 4-14 are priced at $7 in advance and $10 at the gate. While Deering Estate Foundation members are entitled to free festival admission, members must go online to obtain a ticket for entry. Ticket prices include park entrance and activities, but exclude food, drink, boat rides and vendor purchases.

Transportation & Parking

In addition to street and area parking, a free “Park and Ride” will be available to all festival guests at Westminster Christian School and Palmetto Bay Village Center. Shuttle buses will go to and from the venue every 15 minutes. For those wishing to ride their bikes to the festival, a courtesy bike valet will be available from Heritage House.

Sponsors

As a nonprofit organization, Deering Estate could not host its year-long calendar of exciting community events without the help of its generous supporters. The 18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival was made possible by over 35 sponsors, including Shaka Kai, Air on Demand, Golden Rule Seafood, Sports Grill, CHI of South Florida, European Collision, University of Miami, Eric’s Outboard, McLuskey, McDonald & Hughes, NR Hair Salon, Palmer Trinity School, eTIX, Keyes & Associates/The Devaldivielso Team, Florida Power and Light, South Florida PBA, SunState Bank, Grove Bank and Trust, Smile Institute Miami, Prestige Windows & Doors, Kaufman & Rossin, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Eagle Brands as well as media and in-kind sponsors like Kiddos Magazine, Community Newspapers, Diario Las Américas, Go Latino, 6 in the Mix, Florida International University, Miami International Airport, Brand Poets, and more. The festival also has the unwavering support of the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, and the Board of County Commissioners.

The 18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Deering Estate located at 16701 S.W. 72 Ave., in Palmetto Bay. All proceeds will benefit the Deering Estate Foundation and are used to provide funding, advocacy and support for Deering Estate and its initiatives. For more information about the event, please visit www.deeringseafoodfestival.org.

Deering Estate is open daily for guests of all ages to enjoy its open space, wildlife viewing, bay vistas and self-guided access of the museums. For more information, please visit the website.

About the Deering Estate Foundation
For those who treasure the Deering Estate, who advocate for its preservation and wish to invest in its future, The Deering Estate Foundation provides opportunities for individuals and corporations alike to partake in membership, signature events, and one-of-a-kind experiences, all in service of providing vital funding and support to the Deering Estate. Through these efforts, the foundation fulfills its mission to uphold the legacy of Charles Deering’s cherished 1920s-era property, to provide funding for the cultural, educational and recreational experiences it offers, as well as its significant scientific and archaeological endeavors to conserve its diverse flora, fauna and the eight native ecosystems that thrive on its 450 acres, and to ensure its longevity as a prized American heritage site. Established in 1989, The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. is a community-based charitable 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation and the philanthropic partner of the Deering Estate.

About the Deering Estate
Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Miami, is a 21st Century house museum, cultural and ecological field station, and a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the State of Florida and managed by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Deering Estate is designated as one of seven Miami-Dade County “Heritage Parks” which have a vital role in our community’s history, environment and in providing recreational and cultural experiences.

Miami Dolphins Set to Host 25th Annual FINS Weekend Benefiting Baptist Health Foundation

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Community News Releases

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March 25, 2024

The Miami Dolphins are excited to announce the 25th annual FINS Weekend on May 31-June 1, 2024, bringing together Dolphins players, coaches, alumni, cheerleaders and fans, with proceeds donated to Baptist Health Foundation in support of Baptist Health. The two-day celebration will feature a fishing tournament and exclusive parties alongside the Miami Dolphins, all in support of the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute Youth Athletic Outreach Program.

“We are excited to kick off the summer with the 25th edition of FINS Weekend, as we look to celebrate both our community of Dolphins fans and the incredible work Baptist Health Foundation is doing in the South Florida community,” said Miami Dolphins Vice President of Community Affairs Kim Miller. “This event has been a longstanding feature for our organization, and we can’t wait to come together once again with our coaches, players, partners and fans in celebration and support of this important endeavor. The Dolphins have always been and remain committed to supporting youth sports in South Florida, and we are honored to partner with the Baptist Health Foundation in making a meaningful impact in player health and safety.”

FINS Weekend will kick-off with an invite-only Captain’s Reception on Friday, May 31 and continue into Saturday, June 1, with a fishing tournament at the Regatta Harbour Marina. The weekend will culminate with the exclusive FINS Weekend Night Party at the Regatta Grove on Saturday evening. Miami Dolphins players and coaches will join participants throughout the festivities featuring music, live auctions, raffles and more.

The proceeds from FINS Weekend will support the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute Youth Athletic Outreach Program. Through this program, the Dolphins sponsor athletic trainers for youth and high school football games throughout South Florida. In addition, the program provides voluntary EKG screenings to all high school athletes in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and continuing education in sports medicine for high school athletic trainers, coaches and athletes.

“We are very fortunate and grateful for the Miami Dolphins’ support of this valuable program,” said Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation. “Through the FINS Weekend fundraiser, the organization and its fans are making an enormous impact on the well-being of student athletes in South Florida.”

To purchase your ticket, register your boat and join in celebration with Miami Dolphins players, coaches, alumni, cheerleaders and more at this year’s FINS Weekend, visit finsweekend.com.

2024 Nissan Versa is Subcompact With Personality

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Community News Releases

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March 25, 2024

The $16,390 2024 Nissan Versa has got lots of spunk.

This subcompact car has great design, wallet-friendly gas mileage and a big selection of available driver assist features.

The 122 horsepower engine generates 114 pound-feet of torque, delivering 32 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

Versa’s commitment to value begins with offering the most standard safety technology in its class, with class-exclusive available Nissan “safety shield 360 features.” Standard safety features on every grade include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking and high beam assist. Available safety technologies include blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert.

The compact sedan’s interior is spacious and functional, with generous trunk space of up to 15 cubic feet. A wide trunk opening and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat (optional on S, standard on SV and SR) help accommodate bulkier items. Lots of front headroom and front legroom provide flexibility for taller drivers.

The Nissan Versa has available Apple CarPlay, which brings contacts, favorite messaging apps, Apple Music playlists, and Apple Maps into the vehicle, contributing to a great driving experience.

Under Versa’s hood is a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine paired with a smooth Xtronic transmission (optional on S, standard on SV and SR) or a 5-speed manual transmission (S only).

The best-selling vehicle in its class, Versa was recently honored with a spot on the Car and Driver 2023 Editors’ Choice list, and has been named “Best in Class” in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. It was also the “2022 Best Subcompact Car for the Money” by U.S. News & World Report.

At $16,290, the Versa is also the lowest starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of any new car in America. Give the 2024 Nissan Versa a spin and tell me what you think.

Grant Miller attends Columbus Connects with Florida Speaker of the House Daniel Perez

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Community Press Releases

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March 25, 2024

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Positive people in Pinecrest: Mackenzie Floyd

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Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

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March 25, 2024

Positive people in Pinecrest: Mackenzie Floyd

Senior Mackenzie Floyd is Westminster Christian School’s Silver Knight nominee in the General Scholarship category. Next year she’s attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She’ll be in Honors Carolina, the honors program. She plans to major in Neuroscience for a career in the medical field.

At Westminster, she collaborated with a teacher at the elementary school to create the Author Academy, a creative writing program that has since grown to include children from third through fifth grade.

“I recruited other students to mentor the kids and work with them weekly and to be there for multiple years,” she says.

Now they have about 15 elementary students, five or so mentors and two teachers involved in the program.

“This year we’re publishing a quarterly newsletter,” she says. “Last year we entered into creative writing competitions. We wrote an ABC book for the preschoolers at Westminster.”

They prepared the students to write their books.

“We start out reading a mentor text and they have writer’s notebooks,” she says. “We ask them to try it for themselves. Then we go individually, and they work on their own stories or the newsletter.”

They also have a Spoken Word night, where the students present everything they have worked on throughout the year.

The students in the Author Academy took two field trips to the Everglades Foundation and Black Point Marina to gather information on the Everglades for the next quarterly newsletter.

Floyd’s community service includes her work as president of Twenty Little Working Girls.

The community service organization recently raised more than $900 in their annual bake sale, which is just a part of the approximate $20,000 they raise annually.

The money raised is distributed to various charities. The girls also volunteer at different events most weekends, including events at the Chapman Partnership for the Homeless and Glory House.

“I do a lot of volunteer shifts,” she says.

Through Twenty Little Working Girls, Floyd volunteers at Breakthrough Miami twice a month. She goes to the one at Carrolton School for the Sacred Heart.

At school, she’s captain of the cheer team.

“I lead the team in calling cheers,” she says. “We lead most of the practices. We practice almost every day except for Thursdays and Fridays are our games.”

She’s also co-president of the Student Ambassadors Association, an organization that she helped start.

“We give tours on open house days,” she says. “I’m one of the student speakers for the tours. We have given smaller, more personal tours as Student Ambassadors this semester.”

In addition to all her other school commitments, she’s on the school’s leadership team.

“I’m head of the spirit committee,” she says. “We plan prom, homecoming, homecoming week. We negotiate with vendors. And we plan pep rallies. I started leadership my sophomore year.”

She was on the spiritual development committee in tenth grade and then the spirit committee for the past two years.

“Everything is student run,” she says. I’m the one who sends the emails, sets the prices, gets the contracts.”

She is a member of the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, the National English Honor Society, the World Language National Honor Society and Thespian Honor Society. She’s president of the Science National Honor Society.

Her research project through the Advanced Placement Capstone program covered ADHD and Adolescents.

“How pediatricians talk to teens about ADHD, and how that discussion affects the way the adolescent perceives the diagnosis,” she says.

The research has been published in The Journal of Student Research.

Floyd is the managing editor of the Beacon, the school yearbook.

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Village hosted the Pinecrest Car show on March 2

By

Gary Alan Ruse

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March 25, 2024

Village hosted the Pinecrest Car show on March 2

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The Village of Pinecrest hosted its 4th annual car show on March 2 at Evelyn Greer Park.

On a day with great weather for outdoor events, the show ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Staff estimated that there were more than 100 cars on display and approximately 1,500 people attending. The annual show is one of Pinecrest’s most popular events, drawing a crowd each year.

Pinecrest residents Sandy and Barbara Levy attended the show, adding to the vehicles on display their own Dark Bowling Green C5 Corvette. Hearing about the show from a friend, Sandy Levy headed there to participate in and enjoy the event.

“As we all know, most of us, as well as the entire country, have been in a bit of a ‘funk’ the last eight or so years,” said Sandy Levy. “Between being quarantined by the pandemic and all of the political unrest it’s been different for everyone. But after getting this car, my eyes have been reopened. I now realize that there is life after Covid. And I realize that while the political situation has been stressful for all, no matter what your political position, life can again be fun. And we can look forward to the future with a new degree of enthusiasm.”

All of this started by purchasing a car on a whim.

“I’ve always loved Corvettes,” said Levy. “Barbara and I went on our honeymoon in my ‘69 Corvette Stingray 45 years ago. We sold it because it was not a great car when you have a child. I got the Corvette ‘bug’ again just a few months ago. After some looking and test driving, we purchased a 2001 Corvette coupe in close to factory-new condition. It brought back happy memories from my youth. Back then several friends and I used to regularly get together on weekends and wash and wax our cars in the shade, while listening to old rock on one of the car radios. Sometimes pizza was involved…and occasionally girls stopped by to help us. Great memories of fun times that were almost forgotten, come back to mind now when cleaning up our ‘new’ Corvette.”

Levy says that getting the car turned out to be far more wonderful than the car alone.

“I recently joined the Sunshine Corvette Club. Getting together with other folks, many in our age group, was wonderful. Even though we all come from different backgrounds, we all share a common interest in Corvettes. It’s really nice.”

He and his wife have shown their car in two different car shows and participated in a “cruise” in cars down to Flamingo in The Everglades. This reinforced the camaraderie all get from a common interest in cars.

The Pinecrest Parks and Recreation Department has many great events throughout the year. The car show next year will be on March 1st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more about upcoming events here: https://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/Government/Parks-Recreation/Events

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Positive people in Pinecrest: Gianna Trailor

By

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

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March 25, 2024

Positive people in Pinecrest: Gianna Trailor

Miami Palmetto High School junior Gianna Trailor goes to Carver Elementary School each Wednesday to work with the children in the Art Club.

“I make little activities for them, especially around the holidays,” she says. “They are usually around kindergarten and first graders. There aren’t many fourth or fifth graders.”

She comes up with the ideas, and she gathers the materials.

“I’ll do my own version and then I go over with them step by step what we are doing that day,” she says.

For St. Patrick’s Day, she made a stamp rainbow, and the kids colored the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

She chose to volunteer at Carver because she attended the school and her mother works there.

“It’s always nice going back,” she says. “The teachers always say hi. The janitor too. I’ve been doing it since the start of this year.”

Trailor loves art. She’s been painting since she was in elementary school. Before she started high school, she took art classes but now she paints as a side hobby.

“In the beginning I only did acrylic,” she says. “It was only about two years ago I discovered oil painting. I saw people were painting realistic paintings. I got water-based oil paint. You can achieve more with oil paint than acrylic because acrylic dries so fast.”

She’s open to painting a variety of subjects. She’ll use reference photos that she loves. But she likes to paint portraits the most.

“I usually like to make gifts for my family,” she says. “I think it’s really a personal gift. I usually like to work small portraits but from time to time I’ll do a big portrait.”

Trailor tutors for the student run organization Tutoring for Tomorrow. They not only tutor for pay, with half going back to the organization to be donated to charity, they also go to Palmetto Elementary once a week and tutor children for an hour.

The teens often work with fourth graders that have math or reading homework.

“There is one girl, she loves me,” Trailor says. “Every time I work on Thursday, she greets me with a hug. She’s Colombian, and I’m Columbian. She’ll talk, talk, talk. I love hearing her words. She’s so funny!”

Tutoring for Tomorrow tutors also work with high school students on Wednesday after school.

“It’s free tutoring for high schoolers who need help,” she says.

She also has three personal clients that she receives compensation for.

“I usually have my personal clients, the same three clients,” she says. “At the elementary school, I tutor the kids that show up.”

She likes tutoring and feels connected to teaching.

“My whole family is a teacher family,” she says. “My grandma was a school superintendent in Provincetown.”

At school she is a member of the class cabinet and helps with Class of ’25 events.

“I try to represent the school and show school spirit,” she says. “You spend your time at the events, and you make sure you participate in the activities of your school.”

She is an athlete, playing badminton doubles. This is her first year on the well-respected Palmetto team.

While Trailor loves art, she also loves biology and Science and STEM classes. Her plan is to go into the Science field and minor in Art.

“It all depends on what college I go to and how it works,” she says.

She has already visited Northeastern and Tufts University and she had a visit to Boston College scheduled for spring break. Boston University is also a potential school for her.

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Cadillac CT4 V-Series Sports Sedan is phenomenal machine

By

Grant Miller, Publisher

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March 25, 2024

Cadillac CT4 V-Series Sports Sedan is phenomenal machine

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Starting at $47,000, Cadillac’s CT4 V-Series sports sedan series is a phenomenal machine.

The car gets 16 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway from a 2.7-liter dual-volute turbocharged I4. It’s a big engine that delivers 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. You can feel it too from the moment you step on the accelerator. Gets you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

For even more power, choose the CT4-V Blackwing at $61,500, which has a 3.6-liter twin turbocharged V6 with a 472 horsepower engine that produces 445 pound-feet of torque. Gets you to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds.

Derived from decades of racing excellence, the CT4 V-Series Sports Sedan masterfully integrates innovative technology with precisely honed power. Each ride delivers intelligence that enlivens every lap and enhances every mile.

The Cadillac “Smart System” suite of safety and driver assistance features is standard on your CT4 V-Series vehicle. From emergency braking to intelligent alerts, parking assistance to vehicle monitoring, the sedan offers lots of tools to feel confident wherever you go.

On the inside, you get lots of shout outs to the car’s sporty nature including with its stitching on seats. The back seats have clear color contrasts and style from the center console. The colors are also key to making passengers feel like they are in a special vehicle.

The digital info system looks like what you would expect to find in a race car including the air pressure in each tire, which I really like. No mystery on which tire needs how much air.

All of the information is contained in a sleek 12-inch diagonal HD reconfigurable cluster.

The V-Series offers six driver modes for a personalized driving experience: Tour, sport, snow/ice, track, my mode and v-mode. You also have the option of performance traction management when engaged in v-mode.

Tech is a big deal for the CT4 V-Series, which offers hands-free driver-assistance technology with more than 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada.

“Super Cruise” also allows the vehicle to automatically change lanes with driver supervision. You also get wireless phone charging, which is a nice touch.

The front of the car has a large Cadillac emblem, which gives you an immediate sense of its luxury legacy. You have a choice of the 18-inch alloy wheels with pearl nickel finish paired with summer-only low-profile tires. From there you have four more choices for the standard CT4 compared to three choices in the Blackwing.

I really enjoyed everything about the Cadillac CT4 V-Series, which has lots of exciting bells and whistles. Give it a spin and tell me what you think.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Positive people in Pinecrest: Gabriella Ortega

By

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

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March 25, 2024

Positive people in Pinecrest: Gabriella Ortega

Miami Palmetto High School senior Gabriella Ortega has more than a thousand community service hours.

She spent many of those hours assisting teachers and students at Children’s Resources Center, a school for children with disabilities.

Her sister taught a mix of third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade students in her classroom.

“I helped her, like a teacher aide, doing filing, or distributing papers,” she says. “If a kid had a question, I would help them if my sister was busy.”

She volunteered for four weeks in the summers before going into her junior and senior years.

The rest of the time, Ortega spent hours and hours in the drama program at Palmetto. She is president of the International Thespian Honor Society and vice president of Impaw Club.

“I love drama,” she says. “Technically, I’ve been doing drama since I can remember. I have two older sisters. The middle child and I did the summer camps at Actor’s Playhouse. The director pivoted my way.”

Because she has an ear for music, he told her she should continue to be in theater productions. He said she shines.

“Hearing that, it makes you have a drive,” she says. “I continued to pursue it through high school. If I could, I would pursue it as a career.”

She’s been accepted to the University of Central Florida and Florida International University. She’s waiting to hear from the University of Miami, and the Miami-Dade Honors College in April.

She plans to major in Pediatric Psychology and minor in Film.

At Palmetto she was Pearl in Sponge Bob: The Musical her sophomore year. Last year she was in Legally Blonde: The Musical, playing Margo, one of Elle’s best friends.

This year, the show was The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. They performed February 29, and for three days at the beginning of March. She played Rona Lisa Perretti, the spelling bee host.

The troupe usually receives Top Honor awards at the district competitions.

Ortega is a member of the Student Council. Through her position on Voices of Palmetto, she is one of three hosts of school events such as pep rallies and assemblies.

“We do them by season,” she says. “We also have senior pep rallies. We hosted a couple of senior pep rallies. It’s fun. If it’s a class event the seniors usually wear red, but otherwise the school blue and white is the appropriate attire.”

Last year she wasn’t a part of student council, but the activities director encouraged her to apply for one of the spots. She applied and was chosen for the position.

Her class schedule includes television production, where she works in many of the different jobs that are needed to put on a broadcast, including working the teleprompter or producing the broadcasts.

She says she dedicates a lot of time to the events that are a part of the television production schedule.

“We do shows in television production,” she says. “Last year we did Mr. Panther and Teacher Trivia.”

Teacher Trivia is essentially a big trivia game with teachers as contestants. Each class would choose a team of teachers to compete.

“We even chose Advanced Placement teachers to participate,” she says. “I just watched it last year and now I’m going to be part of the production.”

She says that they add a twist to some of the rounds.

“To make it interesting, there was a round where things got really tricky. Like doing a Tik Tok dance while answering the questions,” she says.

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Villagers’ 31st Annual Garden Tour a ‘Blooming’ Success

By

Karen Buchsbaum

-

March 25, 2024

Villagers’ 31st Annual Garden Tour a ‘Blooming’ Success

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A record crowd of garden-lovers enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day exploring six private gardens during The Villagers’ 31st annual Garden Tour on March 2.

From lush to impeccably manicured, the gardens reflected the individuality of their owners who are passionate about their gardens. Visitors enjoyed finding unique touches such as striking tablescapes, vintage farm tools repurposed as decorative elements, dramatic sculpture, fish-filled ponds, a private beach, whimsical sculptures and fanciful art displays.

Each “Tropical Oasis” captured the 2024 theme well with showings of the spectacular flora and fauna found in the Coral Gables, High Pines area. Visitors were treated to an array of flowering plants including orchids, ginger, and Brazilian red cloaks, as well as mature oaks, gumbo limbo and palms. A star of the show was an incredible twisted, curving 100+-year-old Florida thatch palm.

“I was truly inspired by the homeowners’ enthusiasm to share their love for their gardens,” said Carmen Diaz-Padron, Garden Tour Chair. “It was because of the collective effort of the members of The Villagers that every detail was meticulously planned to ensure a perfect day.”

The 2024 Villagers’ Garden Tour Committee was led by Chair Carmen Diaz-Padron with Co-Chair, Molly Gail Keily and The Villagers’ remarkable Botanical Advisor, Sheila Revell. Committee members included Lilian Walby, Kelley Schild, Sweet Pea Ellman, Bonnie Hutton, Karen Buchsbaum, Renee Betancourt, Monica Fidel, Jane Holguin, Beverly Gerard, and Lynn Yeiser. Head Docents, who coordinated members at each garden, were Karen Alexander, Mary Beth Burke, Gina Guilford, Molly Gail Kiely, Loyda Lewis, Beverly Loftus, Joanne Meagher, Susan Medina, Kelley Schild, Lilian Walby, Wendy Zepernick and Julie Ziska.

Proceeds from the highly successful tour will support The Villagers’ historic preservation projects and university scholarships for students studying historic preservation.

About The Villagers
Miami-Dade County’s oldest historic preservation organization, The Villagers, was founded in 1966. The not-for-profit, all-volunteer group has grown to identify and award close to 250 grants to endangered sites and organizations, and 200+ university scholarships to advance historic preservation. Through educating, advocating, fundraising, restoration, and documentation, The Villagers work to preserve the cultural and architectural heritage of local historic sites and neighborhoods. For more details about projects funded, scholarships, membership opportunities, and the full scope of The Villagers’ legacy, visit www.thevillagersinc.org.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

MDC’s 41st Annual Miami Film Festival

By

Carl Rachelson

-

March 25, 2024

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No matter what some say, we are living in a golden age of visual media, and everyone loves cinema. In Miami, we are blessed to have two fine film festivals; both the Miami Jewish Film Festival and the Miami Film Festival are truly, madly, deeply adored. It is now time for Miami Dade College’s 41st Miami Film Festival, which will screen more than 180 films from more than 30 countries, taking place from Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 14. Get the schedule and your tickets here: https://miamifilmfestival.com/festival/.

In a major coup, this year’s premier will screen at the Arsht’s Knight Center. With a powerful badass cast led by a 70 something newcomer, Thelma drew the first straw.

Starring June Squibb in her first leading role of her 70+ year career, Thelma co-stars Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg and Malcolm McDowell. When a phone scammer poses as Thelma’s grandson and deceives the 93-year-old, she embarks on a perilous journey across the city to reclaim what was wrongfully taken from her.

The closer, Ezra, also at the Knight Center is even badder, with Tony Goldwyn directing Robert De Niro, Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopie Goldberg. Here, comedian Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale) navigates co-parenting his autistic son Ezra (William Fitzgerald) with ex-wife Jenna (Rose Byrne). Their cross-country road trip transforms them, forcing them into heavy decisions about Ezra’s future, leading to profound change.

In Sing Sing, ex-inmates form a theater group to find relief from the harshness of prison life by producing a play. The film is inspired by a real rehab program where prisoners use theater to address themselves. The cast includes two greats: Colman Domingo and Paul Raci.

In Chosen Family, Heather Graham takes on the role of Ann, a yoga teacher aiming to discover inner peace amid her chaotic family and a less-than-ideal dating life. Ann, who struggles to refuse others and constantly plays the fixer, endeavors to mend her strained relationship with her sister Clio (played by Julia Stiles). To navigate life’s challenging choices, Ann leans on her friends as her pillars of support.

In the film The Practice, another burnt-out yoga teacher in Chile embarks on a quest for new enlightenment, presenting a darkly humorous and absurd take on the weird world of wellness cults.

Rolling Stone calls 32 Sounds the most extraordinary documentary you’ll ever hear. Sam Green’s exploration of sounds’ influence on our perception promises to revolutionize how you listen to everything from art to life. It’s at PAMM.

In Puan just as Marcelo Pena is on the verge of becoming the Head of the Philosophy Department, the renowned and alluring Professor Sujarchuk returns from Europe to challenge him for the position.

In Idol Affair, César and Teresa’s happiness is shaken when she sleeps with César’s idol, Coque Malla. The couple, grappling with the aftermath, travels to Miami to confront Coque and reevaluate their 15-year relationship.

These are just a few snapshots; there are choices for everyone. If you love short films, Bill Cosford Cinema at the U has a full schedule.

Finally, if you want to witness some celebrity juice, parties, the red carpet, films for women, families, Miami, comedies, or any alphabetical sequence or acronym you are interested in, check out the festival’s full array of activity online. To know about what is going on, where, and when, check the website directly. If you want to get misled, go to Chat GPT.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Anacapri, Pinecrest’s Original Italian Eatery

By

Community News Releases

-

March 25, 2024

Anacapri, Pinecrest’s Original Italian Eatery

Anacapri Italian Restaurant, Market, and Wine Bar opened on April 2, 1990, in Miami, outdating the designation of the Village of Pinecrest, which became a municipality in 1996.

Over the past three decades, this cozy Italian joint serving traditional fare has remained a staple in the Pinecrest community despite the rapidly changing city that surrounds it.

“The clientele is different than it used to be,” owner and founder Guiseppe Zuozo said.

“Miami back in 1990 was a little town, now it’s a big metropolis. Before, I used to have a customer coming from the Grove, from the Gables. Now if they do it, they’re going to waste 45 minutes in traffic to be here. A lot of those customers, I don’t see anymore.”

For those in the neighborhood, however, Anacapri has become a multigenerational eatery, an essential stop for young families and older patrons alike. Anacapri now serves the internet generation, with an active social media presence on Instagram. As Zuozo noted, it also appears on multiple review platforms including OpenTable, Yelp, and Google Reviews.

“That’s a big change from what it used to be before,” Zuozo said.

Originally from the New York area, Zuozo and his wife, Maria, first came down to Miami on vacation in January 1990. They quickly fell in love with the people, the environment, and the weather, and opened Anacapri in April of that same year.

Although his family hailed from the bakery business, Zuozo aspired to be an engineer. However, soon after he finished school, Zuozo decided it was time to make a change.

“I didn’t feel like staying in a small little room, sitting at a desk all day long,” Zuozo said. “I had a lot of friends that owned restaurants and worked in the restaurant business. I worked during my school at a lot of restaurants.”

Despite facing many challenges at the start, Zuozo grew his holdings from one restaurant to five. After a few complications with management and landlords, he decided to focus on one location—one restaurant—at a time.

“One day I woke up and said, ‘Let’s start all over,’” Zuozo said.

Anacapri is not only a hub for traditional fare but for merchandise as well, boasting a full-fledged market adjacent to the restaurant and wine bar. When Zuozo first came to Miami, he had trouble finding Italian-made products in the South Florida area, so he began sourcing them himself and opened the market to the public.

Now approaching its 34th year in business, Anacapri can proudly boast its “good coffee, good ambience, good food, and good bottles of wine,” having withstood the test of time. It remains a must-see for visitors of South Florida and lovers of traditional Italian cooking.

“You gotta come in, have a glass of wine, stay around, and look around,” said Zuozo. “See for yourself what’s going on at Anacapri.”

Anacapri Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is located at 12669 S. Dixie Hwy. It is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 to 2:30, for dinner Tuesday to Saturday 5:00 to 10:30, and Sunday 5:00 to 9:00. For information call 305-232-8001 or visit www.AnacapriFood.com

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

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MDC’s 41st Annual Miami Film Festival

Anacapri, Pinecrest’s Original Italian Eatery

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