PUBLISHERS – READERS COMMENTS
FROM THE PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOHN EDWARD SMITH MASKS COMING OFF AND LIFE RETURNS TO OUR HOMETOWN Welcome to a new appreciation! Our Spring issue kicks off with new life coming back to town. The 37th annual South Miami Rotary Art Festival attracted thousands to our “hometown’s main street.” As the COVID-19 with ... Read more
SPRING TIME FASHION
SLIDE INTO SPRING WITH SOMI’S FASHIONABLE BOUTIQUES Sometimes a closet cleanout is just what you need to get clarity in your life (and, more space in your closet). Experts suggest a closet cleaning at least once a year, so this is your cue to get started on a good cleanout for the spring season. Trust ... Read more
FNBSM 70 YEARS
The First National Bank of South Miami:70 Years of Financial and Community Service Priding itself as the city’s “hometown bank,” the First National Bank of South Miami has partnered with the community from its inception and continues to contribute time and talent, event sponsorships, and funding to non-profit organizations within our community. For 70 years, ... Read more
MANATEE IN CRISIS
NO LONGER ENDANGERED, MANATESS NOW FACE ANOTHER CRISIS – NEWS@TheU A massive seagrass die-off in the Indian River Lagoon, coupled with continued threats from boating strikes, is putting these gentle sea cows in peril once again. Some never make it, perishing from deadly boat strikes in Florida waters before animal care specialists can reach them. ... Read more
NEWS FOR YOU
PROPOSED NEW US1 DEVELOPMENT The City of South Miami is in the process of reviewing an application for the redevelopment of a 5.37-acre site (a/k/a “Petco Center”) at US1 & SW 62 Avenue. The application with necessary enabling legislation would convert the existing 1950s one story multi-tenant shopping center of 71,842 sq.ft., into an 8-story ... Read more
NEW PLACES & NEW FACES
SOMI INTRODUCES YOU TO SOME NEW BUSINESS SOMI CONCEPTS AND OWNERS NEW AT VOLVÉR When SOMI Magazine first introduced Volver to our readers in 2016, owner Daniella Arellano had an exquisite clothing collection of European and Eastern styled fashion.In 2020 she completed the transition from womenswear to home. VOLVÉR brings a mix of European antiques ... Read more
OLD LISBON CELEBRATES
30 YEARS WITH PLANS TO EXPAND IN SOMI When Carlos Silva arrived in Miami from his native Portugal in 1991, the serial entrepreneur never imagined he would soon be adding “restaurateur” to his resume. Today, Silva, 53, owns a trio of popular Portuguese restaurants – Old Lisbon – that includes his flagship restaurant on Coral ... Read more
BLACK HISTORY MURAL
CELEBRATING THE RICH HISTORY OF THE BLACK SOUTH MIAMI COMMUNITY. On Saturday, February 19 in observance of Black History Month, South Miami residents and city officials met at a wall at the corner of SW 62 Avenue and 64 Street to usher in the painting of a South Miami Black History Mural. The wall is ... Read more
LIFE’S BACK ON SUNSET DRIVE
ROTARY ART FESTIVAL GREETS SOMI’S WEEKEND VISITORS. Now presenting its 37th annual event, the South Miami Rotary Art Festival has appreciably developed over the years. From starting as a craftsmen festival of 25 booths in 1984, it has grown to a highly recognized juried event showcasing over 150 vendors spanning all four blocks of South ... Read more
POP UP ART ON SUNSET
VACANT STORE FRONT HAS BECOME A MECCA FORARTISTIC EXPRESSION. On a recent Friday evening, the vacant storefront located at 5822 Sunset Drive became a showcase exhibit for artists and designers. The POP-UP gallery is the brainchild of Luigi Vitalini and Cristina Villamil of Aneyediary. From “B.C.” (Before COVID) times the two had presented many periodic ... Read more