miami beach news 2.7.2013

31
BY COMMISSIONER DEEDE WEITHORN “If you make a place the residents like, the tourist will love it,” said Jeffrey Sachs as he kicked off the first of sev- eral public meetings in which the top two rank- ing developers for the redevelopment of the Miami Beach Convention Center and City officials were listening and taking notes from the input of the community. Over 200 residents, community leaders, designers, and public officials packed the two meeting rooms in the Miami Beach Convention Center where it’s very own future was being discussed. Those in atten- dance shared a common goal to turn our class C convention center into a competing class A venue. To achieve this goal Sachs presented a short list of amenities that may be incorporated as part of the facility which was last renovated in 1989. These include: • 60,000 square feet ballroom • 100,000 sq. ft. breakout meeting space • 800+ room hotel • Replace parking • Include outdoor parking • Compatible public amenities Clearly residents, who became the pro- tagonists of the meeting, favored the rede- velopment of the Convention Center only if it comes without sacrifices or concessions from the public’s quality of life. Many reit- erated the idea that a redeveloped Convention Center should offer public ben- efits to the community making it a facility for both visitors and residents to enjoy. Among the issues taking center stage at the meeting were concerns over traffic and green space. Residents of the neighboring Collins Park, Palm View, Bayshore, and Flamingo Park neighborhoods expressed BY DANIEL WHALEN O nce again, business representatives and guests from Miami Beach, Greater South Florida and out-of- state converged at Miami Beach’s Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach for the Annual Champions of Business Awards Luncheon on January 29th. This year’s luncheon honored Past Miami Beach Chamber Chairman and Sudsies President, Jason Loeb, David Sugarman of Sugartime Sports, Inc. and proprietor of The Forge, Shareef Malnik. The hon- orees received The James McDonnell Outstanding Board of Governor Award, The Aaron B. Perry Innovation in Business Award, and the Small Business of the Year Award, respectively. FEBRUARY 7 - 20, 2013 –––––––––––– COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM ––––––––––––– Phone: 305-669-7355 BY ALAN A. LIPS The Miami Beach Chamber is nearly 100 years old – and it is expected that within an organization of such history and stature excellence is cultivated. Last week, we had the incredible opportuni- ty to celebrate the best of the best from our local business talent. The 2013 Champions of Business Awards Luncheon took place on January 29th at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach. With close to 400 in attendance, the event was a huge success. This year’s event honored Past Chamber Chairman and Sudsies President, Jason Loeb, proprietor of The Forge, Shareef Malnik, and NBA sports agent, David Sugarman of Sugartime Sports, Inc. The honorees received The James McDonnell Outstanding Board of Governor Award, The Aaron B. Perry Innovation in Business Award, and the Small Business of the Year Award, respective- ly. The luncheon attracted both televi- sion and sports celebrities, and all who attended enjoyed the venue, the food, and, of course, the award presentations and the messages delivered by our tal- ented honorees. Once again, to no surprise, the Chamber put on a wonderful event to highlight stars of the local business community and dedicated Miami Beach community members. This event is just one of hundreds hosted by the Chamber each year. Of course, the Miami Beach Chamber is a great way to boost your business and get involved in the com- munity, but what’s even more, you can take advantage of the glamour and bril- liance of Miami Beach’s venues! Take the leap and experience the power of membership if you haven’t already! And for all the Chamber members, take advantage of all the fun, practical and business-building benefits that are all part of your Chamber membership! At Your Service, Alan A. Lips Letter from the Chair T Th he e P Pu ub bl li ic c W We ei ig gh hs s I In n A At tt te en nt ti io on n t to o d de et ta ai il ls s v vi it ta al l i in n C Co on nv ve en nt ti io on n C Ce en nt te er r d de ev ve el lo op pm me en nt t –––– See CONVENTION CENTER, page 4 2013 Champions of Business Awards Luncheon Honors Three Miami Beach Businessmen Jason Loeb, recipient of The James McDonnell Outstanding Board of Governor Award, Chamber Chairman Alan Lips, Gabrielle Anwar, Shareef Malnik, recipient of the The Aaron B. Perry Innovation in Business Award, David Sugarman, recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award and Chamber President & CEO Jerry Libbin ––– See CHAMPIONS OF BUSINESS, page 4

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Page 1: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

BY COMMISSIONER DEEDE WEITHORN

“If you make a placethe residents like, thetourist will love it,” saidJeffrey Sachs as hekicked off the first of sev-eral public meetings inwhich the top two rank-ing developers for the

redevelopment of the Miami BeachConvention Center and City officials werelistening and taking notes from the input ofthe community.

Over 200 residents, community leaders,designers, and public officials packed the

two meeting rooms in the Miami BeachConvention Center where it’s very ownfuture was being discussed. Those in atten-dance shared a common goal to turn ourclass C convention center into a competingclass A venue. To achieve this goal Sachspresented a short list of amenities that maybe incorporated as part of the facility whichwas last renovated in 1989.

These include:• 60,000 square feet ballroom • 100,000 sq. ft. breakout meeting space• 800+ room hotel• Replace parking• Include outdoor parking• Compatible public amenities

Clearly residents, who became the pro-tagonists of the meeting, favored the rede-velopment of the Convention Center only ifit comes without sacrifices or concessionsfrom the public’s quality of life. Many reit-erated the idea that a redevelopedConvention Center should offer public ben-efits to the community making it a facilityfor both visitors and residents to enjoy.

Among the issues taking center stage atthe meeting were concerns over traffic andgreen space. Residents of the neighboringCollins Park, Palm View, Bayshore, andFlamingo Park neighborhoods expressed

BY DANIEL WHALEN

O nce again, businessrepresentatives andguests from MiamiBeach, Greater SouthFlorida and out-of-

state converged at Miami Beach’s EdenRoc Renaissance Miami Beach for theAnnual Champions of Business AwardsLuncheon on January 29th. This year’sluncheon honored Past Miami BeachChamber Chairman and SudsiesPresident, Jason Loeb, David Sugarmanof Sugartime Sports, Inc. and proprietorof The Forge, Shareef Malnik. The hon-orees received The James McDonnellOutstanding Board of Governor Award,The Aaron B. Perry Innovation inBusiness Award, and the Small Businessof the Year Award, respectively.

FEBRUARY 7 - 20, 2013 –––––––––––– COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM ––––––––––––– Phone: 305-669-7355

BY ALAN A. LIPS

The Miami BeachChamber is nearly100 years old – and itis expected that withinan organization ofsuch history andstature excellence isc u l t i v a t e d . L a s tweek, we had the incredible opportuni-ty to celebrate the best of the best fromour local business talent. The 2013Champions of Business AwardsLuncheon took place on January 29th atthe Eden Roc Renaissance MiamiBeach. With close to 400 in attendance,the event was a huge success.

This year’s event honored PastChamber Chairman and SudsiesPresident, Jason Loeb, proprietor ofThe Forge, Shareef Malnik, and NBAsports agent, David Sugarman ofSugartime Sports, Inc. The honoreesreceived The James McDonnellOutstanding Board of Governor Award,The Aaron B. Perry Innovation inBusiness Award, and the SmallBusiness of the Year Award, respective-ly. The luncheon attracted both televi-sion and sports celebrities, and all whoattended enjoyed the venue, the food,and, of course, the award presentationsand the messages delivered by our tal-ented honorees.

Once again, to no surprise, theChamber put on a wonderful event tohighlight stars of the local businesscommunity and dedicated Miami Beachcommunity members. This event is justone of hundreds hosted by the Chambereach year. Of course, the Miami BeachChamber is a great way to boost yourbusiness and get involved in the com-munity, but what’s even more, you cantake advantage of the glamour and bril-liance of Miami Beach’s venues! Takethe leap and experience the power ofmembership if you haven’t already!And for all the Chamber members, takeadvantage of all the fun, practical andbusiness-building benefits that are allpart of your Chamber membership!

At Your Service,Alan A. Lips

Letter from the Chair TThhee PPuubblliicc WWeeiigghhss IInn AAtttteennttiioonn ttoo ddeettaaiillss vviittaall iinn CCoonnvveennttiioonn CCeenntteerr ddeevveellooppmmeenntt

–––– See CONVENTION CENTER, page 4

22001133 CChhaammppiioonnss ooff BBuussiinneessss AAwwaarrddss LLuunncchheeoonnHHoonnoorrss TThhrreeee MMiiaammii BBeeaacchh BBuussiinneessssmmeenn

Jason Loeb, recipient of The James McDonnell Outstanding Board of Governor Award, Chamber Chairman AlanLips, Gabrielle Anwar, Shareef Malnik, recipient of the The Aaron B. Perry Innovation in Business Award, DavidSugarman, recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award and Chamber President & CEO Jerry Libbin––– See CHAMPIONS OF BUSINESS, page 4

Page 2: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

Page 2 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013

Page 3: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013
Page 4: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

Jerry Libbin, Miami Beach ChamberPresident and CEO, set the stage for theevent, stating, “Today’s luncheon contin-ues the Miami Beach tradition to recog-nize the accomplishments of outstandingbusiness professionals who continue tostrengthen the foundation of the commu-nity at large.”

The first award, The James McDonnellOutstanding Board of Governors Award,was introduced by Stu Blumberg, a pastChamber Chairman. Mr. Blumbergdescribed this award’s inspiration, “JamesMcDonnell was a rare breed. His love andhis passion for this community are unpar-alleled…Jim was the conscience of thisChamber.”

Michael Milberg, another pastChamber Chairman, introduced Mr. Loeband presented him the award in an engag-ing and interactive speech, calling him“Mr. Marketing” and highlighting hisunmatched energy, enthusiasm and dedi-cation to the Miami Beach communityand the Chamber. Mr. Loeb took thestage to accept the award, thanking hiswife Marni, his Sudsies team, the MiamiBeach Chamber team and the other hon-orees. He challenged the audience tomake Miami Beach an even better placethis year, exclaiming, “Make it yourhome, make it the best place to be!”

Current Miami Beach ChamberChairman Alan Lips, described the qual-ifications for the next award, The SmallBusiness of the Year Award, “This awardhonors members of the Chamber whostarted off with an idea, made it a reali-ty, took it to the next level and raised theimage of Miami Beach at the sametime.” Ronnie Chalmers, Director ofBasketball Operation at the Universityof Kansas, introduced David Sugarman,this year’s recipient. Mr. Chalmersexplained that Mr. Sugarman has the“right attitude,” and that, “His attitude issimple. He wants to help people. Heovercomes problems by defining, antici-pating, evaluating and embracing theproblem as potential.”

David Sugarman, President andFounder of Sugartime Sports, Inc., tookthe stage to accept his award, congratulat-ing the day’s other honorees and thankingCoach Chalmers, his family, his staff andall in attendance. He went on to say, “Theone thing that I put everything into—myheart my beliefs, my time, my energy, mymoney, my connections and my health—all of it, I am standing here receiving anaward and that means it’s all worth it.”

Alan Lips described the next award,

stating, “The Aaron Perry innovation inbusiness award was created to address thehistorical significance of innovation inbusiness and the positive effect of theChamber in our community as well as theaccomplishments of our past Chairman,Aaron Perry.”

This year’s recipient was ShareefMalnik, proprietor of The Forge andMiami Beach native. Mr. Malnik accept-ed the award, congratulated the otherhonorees and thanked Alan Lips, JerryLibbin, his family and Gabrielle Anwar,who led an intimate question and answerchat with Mr. Malnik. The chat under-lined Mr. Malnik’s deep roots in MiamiBeach, including his father’s opening ofThe Forge in 1968.

Mr. Malnik stressed the importance ofindividuality and the myopia of competi-tion, saying “The better the health is ofMiami Beach and Miami-Dade County,the better the health is of all of our busi-ness…We’re investing in a city of thefuture.” Ms. Anwar closed the conversa-tions, stating simply, “You are an inspira-tion, not only as a business owner, but asa man.”

Chamber Chairman Alan Lips servedas the event’s master of ceremonies,highlighting the Chamber’s longevity,now at nearly 100 years old. He alsothanked David Siguaw, Director of Salesand Marketing at the Eden RocRenaissance Miami Beach, for the loca-tion sponsorship and his team’s impecca-ble execution. Rosary Plana Falero, rep-resented Title Sponsor, BankUnited, andcongratulated honorees and outlined thebank’s 2012 success, planned expansion,local roots and dedication to the MiamiBeach community.

AT&T Florida’s Maria Johnston con-gratulated honorees, and spoke of theimportance of telecommunicationsupgrades emphasizing AT&T’s commit-ment to the best for its customers. Ms.Johnston closed with a call to the audi-ence’s conscience, “Please don’t text anddrive, it saves lives.”

To no surprise, this year’s Championsof Business Awards Luncheon was againa raving success. Honorees, speakers andguests all enjoyed the event’s deliciouscuisine, beautiful setting, exciting occa-sion and great company. The luncheonhonored valued and successful MiamiBeach community members, contributingto the Miami Beach Chamber’s mission topromote business development and high-light the benefits of a thriving businesscommunity.

CHAMPIONS OF BUSINESS, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

valid concerns pertaining to traffic conges-tion. Others used the opportunity to stressthe importance of connectivity to othermodes of transportation at the redevelopedConvention Center to include bicycle,parking, car sharing, and public trans-portation facilities.

Among the discussions pertaining totraffic flow, many residents pleaded withthe development teams to pursue designswhich provide self-contained loadingdocks and parking infrastructure minimiz-ing its impacts to neighboring public ven-ues including the Miami Beach BotanicalGarden, the Holocaust Memorial, andSoundScape Park.

Environmental sensitivity was among theconcerns raised by residents who wish forthe Convention Center building to beLEED certified. Equally important, resi-dents stressed the need for green openspaces and their reluctance to the full devel-opment of the 52 acre site. Residents madetheir voices heard loud and clear: qualityover quantity; this was especially importantfor the areas in closer proximity to theperimeter of the residential neighborhoods.

Residents deliberated their thoughts onthe potential development of the 17thStreet Garage, City Hall, and the neigh-boring Parking Lot. However, no consen-sus was achieved regarding the Fillmore atJackie Gleason Theater. While somebelieve that the site should be incorporat-ed as part of a new 800 room hotel othersbelieve that the building is an iconic partof Miami Beach history. Certainly, thiswill be an issue for debate and one inwhich the community’s continued inputwill be much needed.

Perhaps the most acclaimed comment ofthe evening came from Collins ParkNeighborhood Association President RayBreslin who urged the City government tohold itself to the same level of commit-ment and compliance that is expectedfrom its private development partners. I

personally could not agree more and willdo my part to ensure that the City is realis-tic in its goals and fulfills every promisemade to the public as part of this project.

If you missed the meeting it’s not too lateto weigh in. You can follow the develop-ment process online at www.miamibeach-fl.gov or can email your input [email protected].

The next public community meeting isscheduled for February 27th at 6:00 pm inthe Convention Center, meeting roomsD235/236. During this meeting, the pro-posers will present bubble diagrams andrough sketches for the development siteplan. The following day, February 28th, theCity Commission will give their input onthe proposed site plan during a CommissionWorkshop scheduled for 3:00 pm in the CityCommission Chambers at City Hall. As wemove forward I hope that you may continueto join us at these meetings where everyoneis welcome to join the conversation.

Lastly, among those attending the kick-off meeting for the Convention Centerdevelopment were the applicants for theposition of City Manager for the City ofMiami Beach. Surely, this will likely bethe most important project that the newCity Manager will be tasked to overseeand the early observation of the processwill prove to be invaluable.

Last Thursday, the City Commissionnarrowed the list of applicants down tothree finalists which include: formerMiami-Dade County CommissionerJimmy Morales; Miami’s former Interim& Assistant City Manager Frank Rollason;and, Broward County’s Monica Cepero,an Assistant to the County Administrator.All three finalists bring to the table uniquetalents and perspectives. I look forward tomaking a final decision soon so that thiscommunity may benefit from the new CityManager’s professional experiences andtalents in steering the Convention Centerdevelopment forward.

CONVENTION CENTER, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Page 4 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013

Miami Beach News6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980

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Page 5: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 5

Page 6: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

WHAT:ECOMB HAS JUST MADE IT A

LOT EASIER FOR EVERYONE TORECYCLE!

The Environmental Coalition of Miami& the Beaches, ECOMB, in partnershipwith the City of Miami Beach, eTroniceWaste (www.etronicewaste.com),EcoBatt (www.ecobatt.net) and Smart AtBulbs (www.smartatbulbs.com) is pleasedto announce the opening of Miami-DadeCounty’s first One-Stop Shop RecyclingDrop-Off Station for all types of electron-ic waste, batteries and compact fluorescentlight bulbs at its new Miami Beach Centerfor the Environment.

The Center also accepts all other typesof Single Stream Recyclables - glass, plas-tic, metal, paper, cardboard, magazines,junk mail, phone books, etc - for thosebusinesses and residents that do not have arecycling program, thanks to an agreementestablished between the City of MiamiBeach and our local waste haulers: ChoiceRecycling, General Hauling, WasteManagement and WSI.

With ECOMB in the “hood,” it’s noweasy to be part of the green movement. Allyou have to do is call ECOMB’s office orstop by to visit us.

WHY:Because the average American throws

out seven and a half pounds of trash eachday! And it all ends up at the landfills,

where it just sits, compacted, buried, tak-ing up space ... forever.

Recycling is important because it helpskeep our resources plentiful, not only forus but for our future generations: our chil-dren, grandchildren, and so on ...

WHERE:Miami Beach Center for the Environment

210 Second Street and Collins Court(alley between Washington & Collins Ave.)

Miami Beach, Fl 33139

TIME:

• GENERAL RECYCLABLES =SINGLE STREAM (glass, plastic, metal,paper, etc): 24 HOURS A DAY

• ELECTRONICS, BATTERIES,CFLs: from 10 am to 5 pm, but call first tomake arrangements.

ABOUT ECOMB:ECOMB, a 501 (c) (3) founded in 1994,

is dedicated to the promotion of environ-mental sustainability and the preservationof our community’s ecology.

ECOMB’s Executive Director LuizRodrigues · Phone: 305-534-3825 ·[email protected]

ECOMB’s Board of Trustees PresidentJeffrey Forster · [email protected]

Educating People. Engaging ourCommunity. Effecting EnvironmentalChange.

EECCOOMMBB::OOnnee--SSttoopp SShhoopp RReeccyycclliinngg DDrroopp--OOffff SSttaattiioonn

Page 6 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013

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February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 7

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AAllffrreedd KKaarrrraamm,, JJrr.. rreecceeiivveess MMiiaammii BBeeaacchhCChhaammbbeerr ooff CCoommmmeerrccee PPiillllaarr SSttaarr AAwwaarrddAt the recent Miami Beach Chamber of

Commerce Pillar Trustee Board Meeting,Alfred Karram, Jr. of AKJ Design ConceptsLLC was announced as the Pillar StarAward recipient for themonth of January. Mr.Karram, Jr. is the owner,chief designer and principalof his architectural interiordesign firm headquartered at1100 Biscayne Boulevard,Suite 3403 in Miami.

Alfred Karram, Jr. is truly astar. He has been designingand creating dream livingspaces for more than 25years. He is extremely pas-sionate about his work anddedicated to innovativedesigns and impeccable client service.Many of his friends and colleagues haveobserved Mr. Karram, Jr. over the course ofthe year build a grand project: the showcasemodel at the St. Regis hotel. He has slavedtirelessly to make this dream a reality, andit is finally complete. He has employedcountless workers and purchased the finest

of materials to ensure one of MiamiBeach’s newest great hotels offers only thebest.

On a broader scale, Mr. Karram, Jr. iswell-known in South Floridafor his leadership role in theMiami Beach Chamber; he isa member of the Chamber’sPillar Trustee Board. He is anincredible ambassador, bring-ing in countless additions tothis active organization.Furthermore, Mr. Karram, Jr.is devoted to the non-profitcommunity, serving on theboard for the Miami BridgeYouth.

Mr. Karram, Jr. graduatedwith honors from the Pratt

Institute of architecture in New York Citywith a Bachelor’s degree in architecture.He is a Florida-licensed and certified gen-eral contractor. He travels the world exten-sively, constantly in search of cutting-edgematerials and products to incorporate intohis designs and develop the best possiblefinished product for his clients.

Alfred Karram, Jr.–––––––––––––––––––

Page 8 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013

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February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 9

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Mark Wahlberg on his new film Broken City, bodybuilding and Transformers 4BY LAUREN COHEN

Mark Wahlberg is abusy, busy man. He has themuch-anticipated MichaelBay film, “Pain & Gain”— which he filmed inMiami with The Rock —coming out this April; “2

Guns” co-starring Denzel Washingtonbeing released this summer; as well as thetrue-story Navy SEAL flick “LoneSurvivor” slated for some time this year.But before all that comes the slick politi-cal-thriller “Broken City.” In “BrokenCity,” Wahlberg plays Billy Taggart, an ex-cop-turned-private eye who’s hired by thecity’s mayor (Russell Crowe) to follow hischeating wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones).While speaking with Wahlberg, it was evi-dent that he’s been passionate about thisproject since the second he started readingthe script – so passionate, in fact, that hedecided not only to star in it, but to produceas well. During our discussion, the Boston-native also touched on his illustriouscareer, his propensity for playing cops, andthe status of “Ted 2” and “Transformers 4.”

Q: So how did you get involved withthis project?

Wahlberg: Allen Hughes, the director,had called me and asked if I had readthe script – I was aware of the script butI hadn’t read it yet. So I read it rightaway, we met up and I said, ‘okay let’sdo it…but not only do I want to act in it,but I want to produce it and I want to doit independently, because I don’t thinkit’ll be easy to do a movie like this underthe watchful eye of a studio.’…I thinkmaintaining creative control was farmore valuable in the end.

Q: The cast is incredible – Russell Crowe,Catherine Zeta Jones, Jeffrey Wright. Was ithard to get such big name actors on board?

Wahlberg: You see the cast that we gotbecause of the material. The script wasso well written, and because we did itindependently we weren’t really able topay everybody what they would normal-ly get paid. But they wanted to beinvolved because they loved the parts.

Q: You’ve played a cop a few timesthroughout your career. What is it thatdraws you to these kinds of roles?

Wahlberg: Well, a lot of movies arecops and crooks, good guys and bad guys.When I talk about the kind of movies thatI compare them to — “Serpico” and“Chinatown” — these are the movies thatI grew up watching…guys like[Humphrey] Bogart, James Cagney,Robert Ryan, Edward G. Robinson –

those were the kind of guys that I grew upwatching with my dad. So those are thekind of movies that really kind of piquemy interest.

Q: You’re a very good athlete. I think it’simpressive how you change physically foryour roles. How do you go about doing that?

Wahlberg: This year was the mostcrazy year for me. I walked into a pro-duction meeting, and Allen was a littlefreaked out by my physical appearance.And he asked if I could get as thin as pos-sible for the movie. So I just started run-ning and playing basketball and startedboxing again. So I got down to 165pounds, and then I did “Pain & Gain”like 8 to 10 weeks after, and I had to getas big as I possibly could – playing a bodybuilder – so I got up to 212 pounds. Thenwithin 30 days I had to get back down to180 to do “Two Guns” with Denzel. Andthen two weeks after that I was immersedin Navy SEAL training to play MarcusLuttrell in “Lone Survivor.” So that waswhat my year was like.

Q: Can you tell us anything about“Transformers 4” or “Ted 2”?

Wahlberg: I could tell you that we’redoing “Transformers” starting at the endof May, and then “Ted” in September.You know I can’t give you too many storypoints or Michael will not be happy. But Ican tell you that I’m very excited, obvi-ously I had a great working relationshipwith Michael on “Pain and Gain.”

Q: What would be your dream role? Wahlberg: Oh, I don’t know. You know,

I’m just so appreciative of the opportuni-ties I’ve had, the roles I’ve been able to

play, and that I’ve continued to grow asan actor and that I’m kind of now steer-ing my own ship. But one of the ones thatI’m probably most excited about is play-ing John Roberts, who was the subject ofthe “Cocaine Cowboys” documentary.

Bill Monahan, who wrote “TheDeparted,” is now writing the screenplayfor us; it’s something that we have therights to. I’m producing and I’m going toplay John. We’ll shoot it here in Miami.It’s about the cocaine trade…and the riseof Miami, pretty much, while the rest ofthe country was damn near in a recession.

Q: I love how you can go from acting toproducing. Are you going to work on moretelevision shows?

Wahlberg: Yeah! Oh yeah. We startshooting two Docu-Series next weekend– both in Boston. One for the HistoryChannel and one for A&E. We’re shoot-ing two new pilots for HBO this spring,back for more “Boardwalk Empire.”We’ve got a pilot at ABC, a pilot at Fox,and a pilot at NBC. And other variousmovies at various stages of development.

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February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 11

Page 12: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

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FXMResearch inMiramar is looking for males or females 18 years or older that sufferfrom moderate to severe plaque Psoriasis to participate in a clinical research study.Medical Insurance is not required for study participation.

Qualified participants will receive:• Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.• Investigational Study Medication at no cost.• Compensation for time and travel.

¿Tienee ustedd oo alguienn quee ustedd conozcaa Psoriasis?FXMResearch in Miramar está buscando hombres y mujeres entre 18 años o más quesufran de Psoriasis moderada a severa para participar en un estudio de investigaciónclínico. Seguro Medico no es requerido para su participación en el estudio.

Los participantes que califiquen recibirán:• Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado.• Los medicamentos bajo investigación a no costo.• Compensación por su tiempo y transporte.

Do you or someone you know havePsoriasis?

FFoor mmoorre iinnffoorrmmaattiioon pplleeaasse ccaalll / PPaarra mmáás iinnffoorrmmaacciióónn, llllaamme aall:

(954) 430-1097FXMM Researchh Miramar30000 SWW 148thh Avenue,, Suitee 216Miramar,, FLL 33027 •• www.fxmresearch.comm

FXM Research en Miramar está buscando hombres y mujeres de 18 años o más quesufran de Rosacea “Enrojecimiento en la frente, mejillas, y nariz con lesiones similaresal acné”, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere seis [6]visitas. Seguro Médico no es requerido para su participación en el estudio.

Los participantes que califiquen recibirán:• Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado.• Los medicamentos bajo investigación a no costo.• Compensación por tiempo y transporte hasta $250.00.

FXM Research in Miramar is looking for males and females 18 years or older thatsuffer from Rosacea “Redness on forehead, cheeks, and nose with acne type lesionson your face” to participate in a six [6] study-visit clinical research study. MedicalInsurance is not required for study participation.

Qualified participants will receive:• Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.• Investigational Study Medication at no cost.• Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $250.00.

Franciscoo Flores,, MD.Board Certified Dermatologist / FXM Research Miramar

Franciscoo Flores,, MD.Board Certified Dermatologist / FXM Research Miramar

Page 12 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013

Miami City Ballet, Florida’s interna-tionally acclaimed company, will presentthe repertory premiere of choreographerAlexei Ratmansky’s Symphonic Dances,a work commissioned by Miami CityBallet. The ballet will be performed(February 22-24) at the Kravis Center forthe Performing Arts in West Palm Beachbefore continuing on to the Broward Centerfor the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale(March 1-3) and the Adrienne Arsht Centerfor the Performing Arts in Miami (March 8-10). Symphonic Dances is the closing bal-let for Miami City Ballet’s Program III:The Masters – which also features twomasterworks by George Balanchine: thedramatic La Valse and the thrillingTschaikovsky Pas de Deux — plus hisenchanting The Steadfast Tin Soldier.

Ratmansky, the Artist-in-Residence atAmerican Ballet Theatre, was recentlyhailed by The New Yorker as “the man whois remaking ballet.” Commissioned byMiami City Ballet, Symphonic Dances hadits world premiere as a Miami City Balletone-night only gala event on March 1, 2012with the renowned The ClevelandOrchestra at the Adrienne Arsht Center forthe Performing Arts to much criticalacclaim.

The music Ratmansky chose to workwith is Sergei Rachmaninoff’s final impor-tant work, his large-scale SymphonicDances of 1941 – a work whose turbulentenergy and deep emotion perfectly comple-ment the dance qualities for which the com-pany is famous.

“There is no real story,” said Ratmansky.“I want the audience to leave with theimages and feelings that the movementgives them.”

Yet, again and again, the audience sensesthat there are hidden stories, conflicts andresolutions, propelling the large castthrough the piece’s three gripping sections.

“Alexei Ratmansky’s SymphonicDances is electrifying,” raved The MiamiHerald. “A dramatic and physical whirl-wind. Haunting and intoxicating.Tumultuously beautiful. A cheering, to-the-balconies standing ovation.”

In George Balanchine’s La Valse, thestage is a dark and mysterious ballroom inwhich thirty-four dancers waltz in flowingromantic tutus to the gripping music ofMaurice Ravel. It contains many dramaticelements that culminate with the appear-ance of a dark figure of Death who claimsthe life of a woman in white as the horrifiedon-lookers swirl about her upraised body.

Meanwhile, in Balanchine’s TheSteadfast Tin Soldier, set to the music ofGeorge Bizet, a tin soldier courts a lovelypaper doll, gives her his heart, and thenstands helplessly by as a draft of wind car-ries her into the fireplace. All that remainsto be rescued from the fire is his heart,which he recovers and takes back with himto his stoic watching.

Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux, set to the“lost music” from Swan Lake, Act III, fea-tures eight and a half minutes ofBalanchine’s signature traits: his surprises,his complexities, his challenging quirks andcombinations. Balanchine called it “a dis-play piece based on the music and the max-imum gifts of virtuoso performers.” Its daz-zle suggests the best of Broadway.

The Opus One Orchestra, under thedirection of Principal Conductor GarySheldon, returns once again, thanks to agenerous grant from the John S. and JamesL. Knight Foundation as part of its KnightArts Challenge.

Tickets are now on sale by calling theMiami City Ballet Box Office at 305-929-7010, toll-free 877-929-7010 or online atwww.miamicityballet.org.

Group Discounts (10 or more) are avail-able by calling (305) 929-7001.

MMiiaammii CCiittyy BBaalllleett aannnnoouunncceess PPrrooggrraamm IIIIII::TThhee MMaasstteerrss ffeeaattuurriinngg SSyymmpphhoonniicc DDaanncceess

bbyy AAlleexxeeii RRaattmmaannsskkyy

Page 13: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 13

Page 14: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

CENTER FOR SKIN, VEINS, LASER & ANTI-AGING MEDICINEDR. HELEN DONATELLI, M.D.

305.466.4440email: [email protected] • www.Dr.DonatelliMD.com

3085 NE 163rd Street, North Miami Beach

GET RIDE OF THOSEUNSIGHTLY VEINS.LET THE EXPERT

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Page 14 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013

Barbara Buxton, J.D., LL.M.Florida Attorney

Nursing Home Medicaid • Elder Law & Estate PlanningFlorida Medicaid Planning & Eligibility

Asset Protection • Wills, Trusts, Living WillsPowers of Attorney • Guardianships

Probate: Estate Administration

Serving Dade, Broward & Palm Beach CountiesTel.: 305.932.2293 Miami-Dade County

954.760.7077 Broward Countywww.buxtonlaw.com

Page 15: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 15

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Page 16 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013 February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 17

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February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 19

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Champions of Business Luncheon at The Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach

Ana Ramos, Michael Mandich, Laurie Friesner-Bomstein and Scott Indorf

Sugartime Sports Team

Danny Toro, Jorge Baboun, Jason Loeb, Juan Cespedes and Luis Moreno

Michael Mowatt, Mercy Dorta, Michael Goldberg and guests

Adrian Baschuk, Josh Wallack and Rosary Plana Falero

Ronnie Chalmers, David Sugarman, Norma Ross and guests

Shareef Malnik and Gabrielle Anwar

David Sacks, Gretchen Duffner-Hand, Jason Loeb, Kelly Schumacher and Judy Holm Jason and Marni Loeb

DeAnne

Connolly

Graham,

Senator

Gwen

Margolis

and Sase

Gjorsovski

Chamber Chairman Alan Lips, Jason Loeb and Michael Milberg

Chamber President & CEO Jerry Libbin, Sherry Roberts and Wayne

Pathman

Page 20 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013

Page 20: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

Champions of Business Luncheon at The Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach

Chamber Chairman Alan Lips, Shareef Malnik and Gabrielle AnwarElizabetn Karwowski, Danette Gossett, Jeff Stay and Elizabeth Manso

Award recipients Jason Loeb, Shareef Malnik and David Sugarman with Chamber Chairman AlanLips and Gabrielle Anwar

Larry Barditch, Jason Loeb and Billy Long

Shareef Malnik and Gabrielle Anwar

Michael Mowatt, Chamber Chairman Alan Lips, Mercy Dorta, Rosary Plana Falero, Chamber President and CEOJerry Libbin, Bart Chepenik and Daniel Bachman

David SiguawChamber Chairman Alan Lips, Ronnie Chalmers and David Sugarman

February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 21

Page 21: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

BY ISADORE HAVENICK

All around the coun-try, Indian gaming hasbeen steadily gainingmomentum and foster-ing large paydays fortribal members.Florida is no exceptionto this pattern.

We have two tribesthat operate gaming in Miami-Dade andBroward County. The Miccosukee tribehas a hotel, golf course, and slot casinooperation out in western Dade County. TheSeminole tribe operates many gaming ven-ues, such as the Hard Rock Hotel andCasino in Hollywood, which is the bestknown.

The Miccosukee tribe operates withouta compact with the State of Florida andpays no taxes. The Seminole tribe has acompact with the State of Florida that paysin excess of $200 million into the state’s

tax coffers. The Seminole compact hastwo major parts to it. One deals primarilywith the game of blackjack, granting anexclusive state wide on this and like kindgames. The other portion of the compactgives the Seminole tribe exclusivity on aspecific class of slot machines outside ofboth counties. The two elements of thecompact have terms of five and 20 yearsrespectively. With the blackjack portion ofthe compact set to expire in 2014, the gov-ernor and legislature both have concernsthat the tax revenues to the state fromgaming interests do not contract.

The simple question they face iswhether to renew the blackjack portion ofthe existing compact or to risk losing therevenue and hopefully broker a better dealwith the collection of pari-mutuel facilitiesstatewide.

This could potentially lead to more rev-enue and significant job creation aroundthe state. Is a tribe in the hand worth adozen pari-mutuels in the bush?

The $outh Florida Gaming ReportThe $outh Florida Gaming ReportTTrriibbaall PPoowweerr

Page 22 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013

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February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 23

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Medical experts from around the worldgathered to discuss the latest breakthroughsin Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and treat-ment during the 11th Annual MildCognitive Impairment (MCI) Symposium,hosted by The Wien Center for Alzheimer’sDisease and Memory Disorders at MountSinai Medical Center. The symposium, heldon January 19th and 20th at the MiamiBeach Resort and Spa, provided a forum fornew information and in-depth discussionsabout upcoming clinical trials and advancesin research related to the clinical diagnosisand progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

This symposium is especially significantas current clinical research to find a curefor Alzheimer’s focuses on patients withMCI. People with MCI have more memoryproblems than others their age, but theirsymptoms are not as severe as the symp-toms seen in people with Alzheimer’s dis-ease. However, patients with MCI have agreater potential of developingAlzheimer’s. The earliest possible diagno-sis can lead to pharmacological treatmentand non-pharmacological interventions toslow the progression of the disease.

Twenty-five distinguished neurologicalexperts from areas around the world –including Sweden, Australia andNetherlands, as well as U.S. cities such asMiami, Chicago, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, St.Louis, Phoenix, Boston, Philadelphia,Berkeley, Atlanta and more – presented thelatest information on the earliest stages ofcognitive decline. In addition, the sympo-sium featured keynote speeches by two dis-tinguished experts. Todd Golde, M.D., PhD,director of the University of Florida’s Centerfor Translational Research inNeurodegenerative Disease, delivered apresentation titled, “Solving the Dilemma ofTreatment Versus Prevention Strategies forAlzheimer’s Disease.” Eric Reiman, M.D.,

executive director of the Banner Alzheimer’sInstitute, addressed “Launching the Era ofAlzheimer’s Prevention Research”.

This year’s event also featured the 2ndAnnual Early Alzheimer’s Diagnostic andTreatment Workshop, which explored hownewly developed diagnostic tests can beused successfully in the early diagnosisand treatment of Alzheimer’s. The sympo-sium also included the 1st Annual MCIPublic Education Forum, which gavemembers of the community the opportuni-ty to interact in a panel discussion withmedical experts.

The MCI Symposium began in 2003under the direction of Ranjan Duara, M.D.,medical director of the Wien Center.Thanks to the generosity of Marilyn“Lynn” Girsh, the Wien Center will receivefinancial support to continue the sympo-sium for the next 20 years.

“I was very impressed with the work that Dr.Duara is doing at the Wien Center,” said Girsh.“And I especially appreciated the idea of aninternational symposium bringing researcherstogether to share their findings and discussnew ideas on treating Alzheimer’s. If there isany possibility of finding a cure, I would liketo do what I can to help.”

Unless new treatment options are foundto prevent Alzheimer’s or delay its onset, itis projected that 13 million people in theU.S. will have the disease by 2050. Sincethe development of criteria for Alzheimer’s25 years ago, major advances in under-standing of the biology and early clinicalfeatures of the disease have led to improve-ment in clinical assessments.

“Our goal is to continue hosting the sym-posium to help researchers gain a greaterunderstanding of Alzheimer’s and eventu-ally discover new treatment options thatwill delay, prevent or cure the disease,” Dr.Duara said.

MMoouunntt SSiinnaaii MMeeddiiccaall CCeenntteerr HHoossttss 1111tthh AAnnnnuuaallIInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall AAllzzhheeiimmeerr’’ss SSyymmppoossiiuumm

Dr. Ranjan Duara ofMount Sinai presentsMarilyn Girsh with a

plaque at the 11thannual MCI

Symposium.

Page 24 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013

Make Life A Little Sweeter™ by attend-ing a Multi-Business Networking Event onFebruary 7, 2013 from 6 to 8 PM hostedby Iris Nieves, owner of EDIBLEARRANGEMENTS® at 6960 Collins Av.Miami Beach, FL 33141. Instead of justmeeting and exchanging business cards,enjoy fresh fruit bouquets, chocolatedipped fruit and more!

Edible Arrangements is the creator ofand leader in fresh fruit bouquets. Thecompany brings happiness to all of life’soccasions with their array of irresistiblyfresh products, including handcrafted fruitarrangements and gourmet chocolatedipped fruit. They believe in invention,investment and imagination, and have anentrepreneurial history and spirit. Aboveall, they are fresh fruit fanatics.

Iris Nieves, the local owner has been agreat supporter of Miami Beach businessesand has dedicated herself to helping fosterrelationships among business owners.

Their stores create magnificent, freshfruit arrangements and gourmet chocolatedipped fruit to order, for pick-up or deliv-ery, seven days a week. You can orderonline worldwide, by phone at 305-861-1771, or in our EDIBLE ARRANGE-MENTS® store at 6960 Collins Ave,Miami Beach, FL 33141.

To RSVP call 305.861.1771 or find theevent on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Edible

-Arrangements-Miami-Beach

Bring your business cards and yoursweet tooth!

NNeettwwoorrkkiinnggTTaakkeess aa SSwweeeett TTuurrnn

Page 24: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

Pillar Reception at the South Seas Hotel

Aleksandra Marzec, Debora Diaz and guest

Jose Peñaranda, Lourdes Vassallos, Miguel Ramirez, Jolie Warshaw and Susana Peñaranda

Tom Glassie and Michael Wantz

Cory David Baker, Michelle Wolfe and Justin Levy

Myriam Aguilera and Morgan Decker

Guests enjoying the reception

Jeff Greene and DJ Hector PerezMichael Goldberg, Joseph D. Conway and guest

February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 25

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February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 27

BY WILLIAM D. TALBERT III, CDME

HOW’S BUSINESS — TOP 25 MARKETSDEMAND FOR TRAVEL TO GREATER MIAMI & THE BEACHESREMAINS STRONG - GREATER MIAMI & THE BEACHES RANKS #4IN REVENUE PER AVAILABLE ROOM (REV PAR), #4 IN AVERAGEDAILY ROOM RATE (ADR) AND #4 IN HOTEL ROOM OCCUPANCYFOR JANUARY-DECEMBER 2012 AMONG THE TOP 25 U.S. MARKETS

For January - December 2012, Greater Miami and the Beaches showed increas-es vs. 2011, ranking #4 in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar) at $124.92, #4 in Average DailyRoom rate (ADR) at $163.59 and #4 in Hotel Room Occupancy at 76.4% among the Top 25 Marketsin the U.S. Smith Travel Research compares the top markets in the United States based onOccupancy, Average Daily Room Rate (ADR) and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar).

JANUARY - DECEMBER 2012REVENUE PER AVAILABLE HOTEL ROOM (REV PAR)

MARKET $ % CHANGE VS. 2011

1. New York $210.56 +6.1%

2. Oahu Island $155.37 +16.7%

3. San Francisco $137.99 +12.8%

4. Miami $124.92 +7.9%

5. Boston $114.00 +8.3%

AVERAGE DAILY ROOM RATE

MARKET $ % CHANGE VS. 2011

1. New York $251.59 +2.9%

2. Oahu Island $183.51 +11.2%

3. San Francisco $171.72 +10.8%

4. Miami $163.59 +6.6%

5. Boston $158.68 +7.2%

AVERAGE DAILY OCCUPANCY

MARKET % OCCUPANCY % CHANGE VS. 2011

1. Oahu Island 84.7% +4.9%

2. New York 83.7% +3.1%

3. San Francisco 80.4% +1.7%

4. Miami 76.4% +1.3%

5. Los Angeles 75.4% +5.1%

GMCVB LAUNCHES SHOP MIAMI MONTHGMCVB has launched the 1st annual Shop Miami Month. Consumers who spend $500 or more

over the course of February at participating malls, marketplaces and retail establishments willreceive a $20 Shop Miami Month Reward Card and will also be entered automatically to win greatprizes such as airline tickets, an MSC cruise for two and hotel stays. For more details on this excit-ing new program, visit www.ShopMiamiMonth.com

TWO SIGNATURE EVENTS – MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW AND COCONUT GROVEARTS FESTIVAL – TAKE PLACE THIS MONTH

February marks two of Miami’s most anticipated annual events: the Coconut Grove ArtsFestival (Feb. 16-18, 2013) and the Miami International Boat Show (Feb. 14-18, 2012). This yearmarks the 50th anniversary of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, which has selected world-renownedBrazilian artist Romero Britto to design this year’s festival poster. Miami International Boat Show& Strictly Sail takes place at Miami Beach Convention Center and features more than 3,000 boatsand 2,000 exhibitors from all over the globe. Visitors from around the world flock to Miami andBeaches for these two prestigious annual events.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S “CRITTERCAM” EXHIBIT NOW OPEN AT ZOO MIAMI“National Geographic Crittercam: The World Through Animal Eyes,” a 6,000-square-foot travel-

ing exhibition developed by the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., is now openand will run through May 5, 2013 at Zoo Miami. Crittercam, invented by National Geographicmarine biologist Greg Marshall, is a scientific video- and data-gathering tool safely worn by wildanimals, offering researchers insights into animal behavior and clues to protecting animals and theworld we share. The exhibit is being featured at Zoo Miami’s Dr. Wilde’s World. For more informa-tion, visit www.ZooMiami.org.

Page 27: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

For the last 72 years, one of the world’slargest boat shows has been held annually inMiami. The Progressive® Insurance MiamiInternational Boat Show returns President’sDay Weekend, Feb. 14-18, 2013 - an eventthat draws more than 100,000 visitors fromaround the world to explore the best of boat-ing, and generates big business in Floridaand for the U.S. recreational boating indus-try.

This year’s Boat Show will not disappoint.Riding on the recent upturn in the U.S. recre-ational boating industry, which, according tothe National Marine ManufacturersAssociation (NMMA), saw as much as a 10percent increase, Miami’s Boat Show will bepart of the expected growth in 2013 of 5-10additional percentage points. The first BoatShow of the season, held in New York, sawincreased hiring and sales, a great indicatorfor the Miami showing in just a few weeks.

This year’s Progressive Insurance MiamiInternational Boat Show will feature more than2,000 local, national and international companiesshowcasing more than 3,000 of the newest boats,many making their world debuts, plus thousandsof new gadgets, engines, gear and marine acces-sories. The Miami Boat Show occupies threelocations, uses 2.5 million sq. ft of exhibitionspace at the Miami Beach Convention Center

and 1 million sq. ft. of carpet – enough to cover20 football fields!

It is not hard to understand why more than

100,000 attend the Miami Boat Show annu-ally; the five-day show is an all-access passto experience the boating lifestyle.

The show offers the opportunity not onlyto see the newest in boating technology, butalso experience the boating lifestyle on-landand in-water. Experience complimentary on-water sailing and power boating classesthrough the Discover Boating Puts You at theHelm program, plus fun from deck to dockwith free sailboat rides along the bay andlive music to soak up boating lifestyle.There’s a boat for every budget and lifestyle.Boats of all shapes and sizes are for sale atsome of the best deals of the year – from lux-ury motor and sailing yachts to sport fishers,family cruisers and performance boats.There are hundreds of hourly boating clinicsfor seasoned captains and new boaters cover-ing sailing, big game fishing and Boating101 from the top industry boating experts.

The Progressive Miami International BoatShow is a great event for all that participate.Moreover, it is a wonderful stimulus for theMiami Beach and Greater South Florida econ-omy. The Miami Boat Show generates $817.8million annually in gross sales and wages andsupports more than 9,000 full-time jobs inFlorida. Additionally, more than 45-percent ofvisitors that travel to the Miami Boat Showare from outside the state of Florida.

The Miami Boat Show will take placeacross three venues. At the Miami Beach

Convention Center, located at 1901Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach,where you can view boats and boatingaccessories for every activity and budget,experience the world’s premier sport fishingexpo, the popular Big Game Room, cele-

brating its 10th year, enjoy the Dive &Travel Harbor, showcasing diving gear,travel resorts and boating destinations andmeet celebrities, including HistoryChannel/A&E’s Shark Wranglers ChrisFischer and Brett McBride. At the New

Yacht & Power Boat Show at Sea Isle

Marina, located at 1635 North BayshoreDrive in Miami, where you can see andboard hundreds of new yachts and powerboats in the water and take the helm atDiscover Boating by the RecreationalPowerboating Association (RPBA).

Finally, at Strictly Sail Miami at

Miamarina at Bayside, located at 400Biscayne Blvd. in Downtown Miami, you canenjoy touring the vast sailboats, shop for sail-ing gear and accessories and attend a variety ofseminars and sailing features including a sail-ing simulator and free sail rides.

The Progressive Insurance Miami BoatShow is sure to impress. This year’s lineupwill demonstrate everything the recreationalboating industry has to offer, with hands-onactivities so visitors can experience boatingfor themselves. See below for ticketing infor-mation and additional show information.

WHEN: THURSDAY, FEB. 14 THROUGH MONDAY, FEB. 18, 2013

• Thursday, Feb. 14 (Premiere Thursday): 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Friday, Feb. 15 through Sunday,Feb. 17: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• Monday, Feb. 18: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

ADMISSION: • Premiere Day (Feb. 14): $35• Adults (16 and older): $20•Five-day adult pass (Good all five days of the show): $85•Two-day adult pass (valid Feb. 14-18): $35• Youth 15 and under get in FREE (must be accompanied by an adult)One ticket good for all sites (including

free access to shuttle bus & water taxi)

Take advantage of $5 parking when youarrive before 9:30am ($10 from 9:30am untilclosing) to Sea Isle Marina. Ride the FREEMiami Trolley from the Convention Center tothe New Yacht & Power Boat Show at Sea IsleMarina or Strictly Sail Miami at Miamarina atBayside or take the complimentary water taxito and from the show’s in-water locations.

Advance tickets can be purchased atMiamiBoatShow.com orStrictlySailMiami.com. Visitors can now pre-shop the show online at MiamiBoatShow.comor StrictlySailMiami.com and get up-to-the-minute news atwww.twitter.com/MiamiBoatShow andwww.facebook.com/MiamiBoatShow.

MMiiaammii IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall BBooaatt SShhooww SSaaiillss iinnttoo TToowwnnPage 28 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013

Page 28: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 29

Bercow Radell & Fernandez, which spe-cializes in zoning, land use and environ-mental law, announced on January 29, 2013that Melissa Tapanes Llahues has beennamed a full partner and shareholder of thefirm. She is among the youngest femaleequity partners in South Florida.

“We are very proud to recognize andreward Melissa’s diligent work and accom-plishments on behalf of the firm,” said sen-ior partner Jeffrey Bercow. “She has builtan impressive portfolio of clients sincejoining us in 2002, and has simultaneouslybecome involved in organizations that ben-efit the community. She is a role model foryoung attorneys, male and female, on howto build a practice through hard work, end-less energy and commitment to givingback.”

Tapanes Llahues represents the interestsof landowners, institutional clients, anddevelopers seeking approvals from govern-mental boards and agencies at the local,state and federal levels. She specializes inmanaging complex and politically sensitivelegislative and quasi-judicial matters frominitial due diligence to permitting, includ-ing applications and issues related to devel-opments of regional impact, amendments tolocal government comprehensive plans,vested rights, zoning, platting, and siteplanning, as well as state and local landdevelopment regulations, permitting,enforcement, eminent domain, historicpreservation, and archaeological resources.

Melissa has been consistently distin-guished from her peers as a “Rising Star”by Super Lawyers, an “Up and Comer” byFlorida Trend’s Legal Elite, and by numer-ous Who’s Who publications.

She was named “Director of the Year” bythe Latin Builders Association® (LBA) andspearheads the 40-year old organization’slegislative affairs as an Executive Directorand Chairwoman of the LegislativeCommittee. In addition, Melissa serves asChairwoman of the City of Doral’s DoralDesign District Steering Committee andChairwoman of the Florida InternationalUniversity President’s Council World’sAhead Faculty Award Committee. She isalso a member of the Miami chapter ofCommercial Real Estate Women (CREW).

U.S. News-Best Lawyers recently placedBercow Radell & Fernandez in its presti-gious “First Tier” for land use and zoninglaw as well as real estate law in Miami.

For more than two decades, the attorneysat Bercow Radell & Fernandez have been atthe forefront of Miami-Dade County’s phe-

nomenal growth, guiding their clients on allaspects of local, state and federal real estatepermitting and licensing, zoning approvals,amendments of local government compre-hensive plans, developments of regionalimpacts (DRIs), due diligence reviews,growth management, concurrency andenvironmental matters.

The firm’s clients include LennarHomes, International SpeedwayCorporation, Woolbright Development,Leon Medical Centers, Home Depot,Southeast Overtown Park West CommunityRedevelopment Agency, and Florida Powerand Light Company, for which they servedas lead counsel on its public hearing appli-cation for a new nuclear power plant atTurkey Point.

Bercow, Radell & Fernandez, located at200 S. Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 850,Miami, was established in 1996. The firmhandles all aspects of local, state and feder-al real estate permitting and licensing,including zoning approvals, amendments oflocal government comprehensive plans,developments of regional impacts (DRIs),due diligence reviews, growth management,concurrency and environmental matters.

For information, contact 305- 374-5300or visit www.brzoninglaw.com.

Melissa Tapanes Llahues

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

MMeelliissssaa TTaappaanneess LLllaahhuueess nnaammeedd sshhaarree--hhoollddeerr aatt BBeerrccooww,, RRaaddeellll && FFeerrnnaannddeezz34-Year-Old Land Use Attorney Among the Youngest Female Equity

Partners In South Florida

Page 29: Miami Beach News 2.7.2013

M2E Consulting Engineers is definitelynot your run-of-the-mill engineering firm.More than a full-service Mechanical,Electrical, Plumbing and Structural engi-neering firm, M2E Consulting Engineers isa group of individuals with a deep love oftheir community. With active member-ships in the Miam Beach Chamber ofCommerce at the Pillar level, SustainableBusiness Council and other local associa-tions, M2E is proud to be an ambassadorfor the continued growth and success ofthe community.

The team proudly boasts the accolade ofhaving served on the design and commis-sioning team of the first LEED-CI Goldcertified hotel on Ocean Drive. M2E has

been a finalist in South Florida BusinessJournals ‘Best Places to Work’ for twoyears as well as being voted ‘Top 25Engineering Firm’ in 2012. In all of itsdesign projects, M2E takes on a sustain-able approach with the goal that it willbecome common practice throughout theindustry and further promote the healthand growth of our community.

M2E Consulting Engineers is experi-enced in the engineering design ofCommercial, Residential, Hospitality andInstitutional projects both in and around theCity of Miami Beach. With such a stronglink to the community, M2E has a vestedinterest in its growth and welcomes anyopportunities to serve in any way beneficial.

MM22EE CCoonnssuullttiinngg EEnnggiinneeeerrss::YYoouurr PPrroobblleemmss OOuurr SSoolluuttiioonnss

The Waldorf Towers Hotel, first LEED-CI Gold hotel on Ocean Drive.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Page 30 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013

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February 7 - 20, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 31

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Page 32 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 7 - 20, 2013