New Park Dedication

Ribbon-cutting in the Neighborhood

Vice Mayor “Bicycle Bob” Welsh was memorialized with the dedication of a new neighborhood park in the Ludlam Elementary School area residential community along the Ludlam Glades canal.  He passed suddenly in February 2021.  He was known as a tree-loving community activist, our own “Johnny Appleseed” with planting Live Oaks and Dade Pines throughout the county.

The city acquired the property (16,730 SF or 0.38 acres) roughly 4 years ago in September 2019 for the sole purpose of converting the lot into a neighborhood pocket park. In January 2020, city staff conducted a 9-month planning and design process. The city officially took over management and operation of the property in October 2020. The single-family house was demolished in January 2021. The park was renamed to Vice Mayor Robert C. Welsh Jr. Park from Ludlam Glades Park in March 2021.  Two years later from the initial planning and design process, in 2022, community members desired a redesign of the park that incorporated more open green, which now represents more than 70% of the park. 

A late August event planning luncheon at Mosaico, pictured are: (back): Maurizio Farinelli, Mayor Javier Fernandez, Dean Shelly Berg; (front) Kostia Lukyniuk, Mary Scott Russell,
John Edward Smith

THE SOUNDS OF SOMI

Building A Special Events Series in Our Town Center

They’ll be dancing in the street to the sounds of a top local DJ and live music jam as a music collaboration between the University of Miami Frost School of Music and the City of South Miami rolls out over the next several months. “And from our streets and sidewalks, we’ll even elevate your SoMi experience with a rooftop concert!” exclaims event producer and SOMI Magazine creative director/publisher John Edward Smith.

This cultural collaboration with South Miami’s neighbor, the University of Miami, grew out of Mayor Javier Fernandez’ earnest desire to foster relationships with “the U.”

In remarks at city meeting on September 5, 2023, the Mayor expressed his appreciation for the event planning and commission presentation noting: “We are very much focused on leveraging the benefit of having the University of Miami as our neighbor in every way possible; whether it’s studying the prospects of the future development of the city hall, working with their school of architecture and design studio in that regard, or to diversity of cultural offerings of the city.  This series could possibly become the seeds for a permanent performance space in our Town Center.  I am very excited for what this portends for the future of our city and looking to support this event in any way possible, and I thank the organizers for creating and planning this event for SoMi.”

THE GENESIS OF “THE SOUNDS OF SOMI”

John Edward Smith, publisher of SOMI Magazine, long-time South Miami resident and avid promoter of our area business community, had a happenstance encounter with an incredibly talented violinist while attending UM President Frenk’s holiday reception at Ibis House. A polished performer and masters’ degree student at the university,

Ukrainian Kostia Luykniuk wonderfully entertained the president’s guests that evening.  Smith and his guest were both mesmerized by the energetic and captivating performance.  After another unplanned musical encounter as he performed at a UM Scholarship Reception two months later, the two decided to meet up in SoMi.  As Smith had represented a classical recording artist, he offered whatever he could to bring a showcase performance to the area.

While living close by to our town center and attending UM, Kostia, 24, usually hangs out in Brickell, 

young talent, while students learn the true craft of their profession in a real-life setting.

In closing his remarks, Dean Berg noted “the Frost School abounds with world class talent, performing 350 concerts per year on the UM Campus, a stone’s throw away from South Miami.  ‘The Sounds of SoMi’ showcases our brilliant students and faculty in a festival setting and will encourage attendees to come to campus for more great music. This concert series is also a real-world laboratory for Frost students in Live Arts Presentation, Music Business, and Music Engineering.  ‘The Sounds of SoMi’   brings together a great city and a great music school, and in this case 1+1 will be an exponent of 2!’’  

Article by Cera Soli

Kostia performing “Amazing Grace” at the September 5th City Comission meeting

Chris Christie in the House

Community Newspapers’ Town Hall at CasaCuba

On Friday, August 18, the Miller brothers outdid themselves in hosting a memorable Café y Pastelitos CasaCuba early morning Community Newspapers gathering of community political and business leaders.

With a local and national media bank lined up along the bar, with tables full and a SRO crowd welcomed Republican presidential candidate, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie.

A resounding rendition of “God Bless America” and Grant Miller chanting “Viva Miami” and “Go Marlins,” South Miami Mayor Javier

Rank And File

Retirements

Chief René G. Landa and Officer Rodney Napier, two of the City of South Miami Police Department’s finest, are retiring from the force. Chief Landa after a long and distinguished career and Officer Napier as a new recruit to SMPD devoted to serving as the Community Affairs officer from 2018 to 2023.

Chief René G. Landa 

“What a great way to retire! It is exciting for me to wish him well in his next chapter,” said South Miami City Manager, Genaro, “Chip” Iglesias said of Chief Landa’s retirement.

Chief Landa’s experience in law enforcement took place during some of Miami’s most high-profile and chaotic events when he was with the City of Miami, beginning in 1980. 

“Those were some days in Miami–Cocaine Cowboys, Mariel boatlift, and a lot of civil unrest,” he said. 

Miami was once at the center of a number of events that garnered the attention of the entire country. Drugs were rampant as any episode of the old television show “Miami Vice” could tell you. Miami was awash with drugs, murders, and fear. The Medellin Cartel made monthly shipments of 70 to 80 tons of cocaine into the US from Colombia. In 1981 Miami was responsible for trafficking 70 percent of the country’s cocaine and marijuana, earning it the “Drug Capital of the World” title with “Cocaine Cowboys” running the operation on the streets of what was 

 then called Dade County.  In 1980 the Haitian migration and the Cuban migration (Mariel boatlift) served to strain the social/governmental network needed to process and house 125,000 Cuban migrants and 25,000 Haitian migrants. More civil unrest was prompted by the murder of Arthur McDuffie, a black insurance salesman at the hands of six Dade County Public Safety officers who were acquitted at trial. Riots took place in Overtown, Brownsville, and Liberty City occasioning the 

Receiving the coveted state police accreditation at a Jacksonville, Florida ceremony are (L-R): Off. Napier, City Manager Genaro “Chip” Iglesias, Mayor Javier Fernandez, Chief Landa, Capt. Larry Corbin and SMPD Communications Manager Lisa Corbin

“I was going to become an attorney, but after that one ride with Officer Delgado, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” said Landa.

A police officer for 43 years, Chief Landa’s leadership abilities are a result of his continued educational training and on-the-job experience in the field. His education includes a master’s degree from Florida International University; leadership classes at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and FIU; and training with the F.B.I. at Quantico, Virginia.

Chief Landa believes in effective and efficient law enforcement achieved by maintaining public safety and providing excellent service to the community.

“The goal of law enforcement is finally to be a person who helps others.
I expect that our officers will treat the public with the sincerest respect and the utmost professionalism,” said Landa. 

Post-retirement plans include traveling and his continued work with the organization Boulder Crest and the Officer Wellness program, and his membership in the Miami-Dace County Association of Chiefs of Police. The Chief is keenly interested in and passionate about the Officer

Officer Rodney Napier

Officer Rodney Napier served as South Miami’s Community Affairs officer. His career with SMPD began in February 2018. Chief Landa was the keynote speaker at Napier’s graduation from the Police Academy. Impressed by the cadet’s achievements, the Chief invited him to consider joining the SMPD on graduation day. Napier earned the top honors in academics, physical agility, and the coveted Director’s Award. This he accomplished at the age of 55. 

Officer Napier hails from Ohio where he owned a very successful capital holdings company, that began with two employees and now has 1300. He still owns the company. Asked what prompted him to

to resolve issues with South Miami business owners and work with local service providers and hospitals has done much to assist those in need who need it the most. 

“The synergy Chief Landa and I have developed over the past years has blossomed because of his genuine care and concern for others, resulting 

At a recent city commission meeting, Officer Napier’s service to the community and his retirement was recognized with a presentation. Pictured are: Chief Landa, city commissioners Steve Calle and Brian Corey, Napier’s husband Kyle Hyatt, Napier, Mayor Javier Fernandez and Vice Mayor Lisa Bonich

First National Bank of South Miami and United Community Bank Merge

United Community Bank leadership team meet with First National Bank of South Miami leadership and staff for a merger “welcome” luncheon in the bank’s lobby on Friday, July 21, 2023. Pictured above: Holly Berry, Chief Human Resources Officer, Richard Bradshaw, President & Chief Banking Officer, Lynn Harton, Chairman & CEO, Veronica Flores, President, Miami-Dade County, Sharon Thompson, President, State of Florida, Rob Edwards, Chief Risk Officer.

In July a landmark business and long-time community partner in the City of South Miami, the First National Bank of South Miami merged with United Community Bank.  FNBSM will fully transition to the United brand in late October of this year. 

According to United’s news release, United Community Banks, Inc. completed its merger with First Miami Bancorp, Inc., effective July 1, 2023. In this transaction, First Miami’s bank subsidiary, FNBSM, was also merged into United’s bank subsidiary, United Community Bank. 

FNBSM has been operating in the Town Center for just over 70 years, first opening its doors at 5750 Sunset Drive as the Bank of South Miami in 1952. The South Miami location is the bank’s headquarters. They offer traditional banking services,  private banking, trust, and wealth

management services with approximately $320 million in assets under management. The bank’s total assets as of March 2023 were $945 million, total loans of $605 million, and total deposits of $823 million. FNBSM’s excellent reputation, skilled banking team, and superior customer service are well-recognized in the community and among banking institutions.

“We built FNBSM focused on growth, getting there with a fierce commitment to the delivery of preeminent customer service. These are the same virtues 

The senior leadership in Miami with top executives form United Community Bank. Ed Vargas, Renee Reichling, Barry Givner, Richard Bradshaw, Veronica Flores, Sharon Thompson, Lynn Harton, Lourdes Rey Wilson, Claudia Cancio, Angel medina, Holly Berry, Rob Edwards

that United Community is known for. We are delighted and excited to join forces with an organization and a group of professionals that share the same values and integrity,” said W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz, Chairman and President of First Miami Bancorp (FNBSM Chairman of the Board). 

United Community Banks, Inc. is a top 100 U.S. financial institution with $25.9 billion in assets, and through its subsidiaries, provides a full range of banking, wealth management, and mortgage services. It is the financial holding company for United Community Bank that has 207 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The award-winning United Community is a nine-time winner of the J.D. Power award that ranked the bank #1 in customer satisfaction with consumer banking in the southeast and was recognized in 2023 by

Forbes as one of the World’s Best Banks and one of America’s best banks, among other honors.

“We are thrilled to welcome this group of talented bankers to the United Community team. While we have been acquainted for some time, we’ve had the opportunity to really get to know the FNBSM team since announcing the merger. Their culture and approach to community engagement, customer service, and the employee experience is very similar to ours at United Community,” said Lynn Harton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United. “This partnership with FNBSM meaningfully expands our presence in the vibrant Miami market, which continues to be one of the most attractive metropolitan markets in the country. We look forward to working with our new team to continue growing in Miami, providing enhanced products and services with the attention and local service that customers deserve.”

“We believe FNBSM’s culture is a great fit with our culture at United. We are focused on building talented, service-minded teams who are empowered to build communities one customer at a time. We also appreciate FNBSM’s strong credit focus and their ability to maintain a 

solid core deposit base despite a very competitive market.”

Florida’s Rising Financial Health Via Economic Migration

Lynn Harton of United referred to Florida’s upturn in net economic migration numbers when speaking of the recent merger of the two banking institutions. Florida is becoming a top 10 global economy and one of the top 10 in the nation, according to statistics cited by the Florida Chamber of Commerce in its publication “The Florida Scorecard” earlier this year.  As one of the country’s 10 largest economies, Florida has had the fastest real growth in GDP for the four years ending in the first quarter of 2023, when adjusted for inflation. Our state continues to outdistance such states as fifth-ranked Illinois, growing more than four times faster, and is growing more than twice as fast as third-ranked New York state. Florida is competing successfully among states with larger economies like New York, Texas, and California.

Florida welcomes 122.4 million visitors annually. New residents attracted to the state in 2021 numbered 260,000, surpassing all other states. Based on the latest annual tax return data available from the IRS, Florida

realized $23.7 billion in net economic migration. This works out to roughly $2.7 million per hour, every hour of every day. It requires the combined economic inflow of six states: Texas, Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Nevada at $23.7 billion to match the power of Florida’s inflow numbers. It is likely no surprise to residents of the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach that their areas gained the largest number of new residents throughout 2022, fueling high demand for housing.

Our loan underwriting team enjoying the program

First National Bank Retrospective

Priding itself as the city’s “hometown bank,” the First National Bank of South Miami partnered with the community from its inception and continued to contribute time and talent, event sponsorships, and funding to non-profit organizations. It has been a major sponsor and partner in South Miami’s long-running events, The Parade of the Elves, the Rotary Arts and Crafts Festival, and the traditional Fourth of July 

Some of the finest community bankers in Miami celebrating the merger

Fireworks. The bank has been a great community partner in building up our town center and the South Miami community.

On April 3, 1952, FNBSM opened for business, located in a modest building on Sunset with two tellers, an officer, and two bookkeepers. By the end of its first year, the bank held deposits totaling $4.77 million. Assets had grown to more than $21 million by 1960. In 1955, the bank built a new addition to its “storefront” location that tripled the bank’s size. In the early 60s, Jim Norris, a successful sports promoter became the chairman of the board. His business partner Arthur M. Wirtz was named as the chairman of the bank’s executive committee, ushering in the successful business talents of the Chicago-based Wirtz family. 

In 1963, due to expanded banking services, the assets exceeded $25 million, qualifying the bank for a National Charter and the backing of the Federal Reserve System. This occasioned the name change to the First National Bank of South Miami. The bank building was again expanded, including an impressive hallway linking the existing structure to the new construction.

The expanded bank facility’s new hallway proved to be the ideal place for an art gallery. The Wirtz Gallery was opened in 1986 to the public and for the public’s use. Named in honor of Arthur M. Wirtz, the mission of the non-profit gallery was to provide a professional setting for all levels of artists to display and sell their artwork, with no fee due to the gallery. It was the country’s first art gallery to be located in a community bank. 

Expanding its services, the bank continued to grow by offering investment opportunities in the 1980s. Other innovations included express banking in 1982 (ATM) and a drive-through ATM in 1983—the first in the state of Florida.  FNBSM remained on the cutting edge of banking innovations such as 24-hour banking, online banking, and bank-issued credit cards for the convenience of its customers. 

South Miami prepares to bid farewell to one of the longest-operating businesses in the city’s history. It welcomes the Community Bank as it transitions to its new home at 5750 Sunset Drive.

Article by Donna Shelley

OUR
ENDANGERED NEIGHBOR

Meet the Federally Endangered
Florida Bonneted Bat

Photo Credit: Dustin Smith/Zoo Miami

Many people in the greater Miami area don’t realize that they have a very special and highly endangered neighbor, the federally endangered Florida bonneted bat. In fact, this bat may even be sharing space with you in your home or business. Although some people may find this unsettling, others may find it exciting

Many people in the greater Miami area don’t realize that they have a very special and highly endangered neighbor, the federally endangered Florida bonneted bat. In fact, this bat may even be sharing space with you in your home or business. Although some people may find this unsettling, others may find it exciting that they have one of the rarest mammals and bats in North America living right next to them in a large city like Miami. The bats aren’t choosing to live in buildings, but they have adapted to try to survive and have improvised when their vast pine forest home was rapidly destroyed in the last 100 years with a growing Miami.

The Florida bonneted bat was believed to have lived in harmony with red-cockaded woodpeckers, likely for tens to hundreds of thousands

colonies into the thousands, they don’t have a musky odor associated with them. Unless you happened to be looking at the exact correct spot after dusk, you would likely never know that they were there. And this is what usually puts them at the most risk.

We all know roofs can take a beating in South Florida with the frequent severe storms and termites can eat away at homes with wood construction elements. But when people get their roofs repaired or have their homes tented for termites, these very rare and shy bats are sleeping away in the structures. An entire colony of these bats are at risk of being injured or killed by roofers doing demolition and if the house is tented and filled with poisonous gas for termites. I always encourage homeowners to spend a

Example of a Spanish tile roof that was undergoing demolition where a colony of Florida bonneted bats were found

couple sunsets outside their house watching their rooflines before they have any work done on their home

Why should we care about these bats? Unknown by the vast majority of people living here, bats provide enormous amounts of economic benefit and wellbeing to people. It would be difficult to imagine what our nights would be like in Miami if we didn’t have hundreds of thousands of bats cleaning our skies every night of flying insects. Bats offset pesticide use for communities and farmers. We have evidence of the Florida bonneted bats in our area eating pests of avocado trees and other crops found in the agricultural areas of the Redlands. These ecosystem services can total into the millions of dollars saved each year. So, if you don’t enjoy having flying insects around you, enjoy beautiful landscaping, and low pesticide use on your foods, you should be a fan of bats

Article by Frank Ridley, DVM

TOAST, ROAST & PARTY

Chief Landa Celebrates Retirement

At the South Miami City Commission meeting of Tuesday, August 15, 2023, time was set aside at the start of the meeting to recognize SMPD Chief Rene Landa’s retirement after 43 years in law enforcement in South Florida, and starting as a newbie with Miami PD in the 1980s which was an education unto itself.

Present to acknowledge, and tease the chief were other law enforcement senior members, beginning with Stedman Stahl, PBA President; Chief Armando Guzman, Miami Springs; Chief Ed Hudak, Jr., Coral Gables, South Miami Hospital Director of Security Lee Poppa who served with

PHASE 3 GROUNDBREAKING 

The last seven-mile of The Underline’s ten-mile masterful plan to create a linear urban trail and park and to fill it with music, art, sports, native landscaping and much more in communities along the way celebrates a Groundbreaking on Tuesday, September 12, 11am at the University Metrorail Station. 

The last seven-mile of The Underline’s ten-mile masterful plan to create a linear urban trail and park and to fill it with music, art, sports, native landscaping and much more in communities along the way celebrates a Groundbreaking on Tuesday, September 12, 11am at the University Metrorail Station. 

REGIONS OF ITALY CULINARY TOUR

With Maurizo Farinelli

Maurizio Farinelli welcomes you to experience the essence of Italy’s regions through an unforgettable culinary journey as Mosaico hosts special dinners now through December 14, 2023.

“Mosaico’s Postcards from Italy ‘’ series is dedicated to exploring the rich and diverse regional dishes and wines of Italy. Mosaico’s goal is to highlight the authentic flavors, unique culinary traditions, and cultural heritage of its favorite Italian region’s iconic cuisine. Every other week through December, this culinary journey will take you through a different region to appreciate its culinary treasures and the hear stories behind the recipes and wines. Maurizio Farinelli and Chef Patrizia Mandis have envisioned this delightful and informative series that captivates their customers and leaves 

THE 3-TYPES of El HappyBreath

A Guide to Better Breathing and Well-Being

There are three main types of el HappyBreath:

el HappyTriangle: This is the simplest type of breath. Inhale, exhale, pause. It involves simply breathing deeply and slowly through the nose, and focusing on the breath as it enters and leaves the body. This type of breathwork can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension.

el HappyBox: Also known as the square breathing technique, involves holding your breath as you inhale for a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. You breathe more quickly and forcefully, with equal inhales and exhales. It can help to increase energy levels, improve focus, and boost mood.

el HappyCircular: Is a truly powerful spiritual breathing technique that we can play with. It is a more advanced technique that involves breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth, in a continuous circle. It can be used to release emotional blockages, improve self-awareness, and achieve a deeper level of relaxation.

El HappyBreath can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels. It is a safe and effective way to improve your health and well-being. 

Here are some of the benefits of el HappyBreath:

Reduces inflammation

Improves athletic performance

Boosts creativity

Improves sleep

Reduces cravings

Here are some additional tips for practicing el HappyBreath:

Start slowly: If you are new to el HappyBreath, start with 5 minutes. 

Be patient: It takes time to learn how to breathe deeply and consciously. 

Make it a habit: The best way is to make it a regular daily practice.

Find a quiet place: This helps you to focus on your breath and

avoid distractions.

Close your eyes: Closing your eyes will help you connect to your body and energy,

If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath.

If you are interested in learning more about el HappyBreath, you can download a Free el HappyBreath App at Google Play and Apple App Stores.

El HappyBreath is a simple but powerful tool that can be used to improve your health and well-being. If you are looking for a way to reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your energy levels, el HappyBreath is a great place to start.

If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]. 

Next article we will learn how to practice three 20-HappyBreath Techniques.

el Happy Coach Roberto Suarez has served in various senior management and coaching roles over 35-years. Suarez implemented strategic plans for several Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. and Latin America. For more than a decade he was coach & leader at Landmark Education, one of the world’s leading personal development educational companies. He has presented his training of conscious circular breathing to more than fifty thousand people worldwide, including Cuba, Australia, and Mexico. You can contact him at: [email protected].

For the month of September, the gallery hosts THE SOUTH FLORIDA NATIONAL PARKS CAMERA CLUB (SFNPCC). The club is based out of the South Dade area, but the members are from all over the greater Miami area. The club was formed in 2014 to create a community of like-minded photographers who enjoy photography, nature, and our national parks. A portion of the membership dues goes to the Florida National Parks Association.

The club consists of members with varying skill levels; from those just starting out, to experienced novices, and even a few professionals. A big part of what the club does is introduce members to new experiences, locations, and to provide photographic education where possible.
www.sfnpcc.org

coming to

You’re invited for an explosive night at the Addams family manor with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by Marshall Brickman and Nick Elice. This comical feast is directed by ASC Artistic Director, Giancarlo Rodaz, and embraces the wackiness in every family It features an original story which is every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams. The ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

Tickets coming soon. Runs: October 2023 | Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays Length: 2 hours rating: All Ages

www.areastage.org

and cozy” boutique liquor store. He holds a degree in hotel and restaurant management and worked as Front Office Manager for the Breakers Palm Beach, as well as assignments at Mar-A-Lago. Two years ago, he invested in a liquor store license and his investment is now realized.

Situated next to Khoury’s restaurant, and a parishioner at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Wassim is well-known in the well-established Lebanese community in the greater Miami area.

Sunset Liquors carries higher-end and special edition brands and offers a selection which would not typically be found in other stores. Sam will be hosting regular tastings and special programs for its customers. The store is open seven days from 10a to 10p. Stop on by to say hello and check out the excellent product selection.  5893 SW 73rd Street | 305.456.6389

“Ziel” means “Finish Line” in German and meet the fun-looking cycling trio who have opened Ziel Concept Store on Red Road. Born from the love for cycling culture, ZIeL is the combination of everything they’re deeply passionate about. From hammer rides to Cafecito stops, cooling down with beers and sharing experiences on and off the bike. At ZIeL, they strive to share this lifestyle through the culture of cycling, combined with coffee, beer, wine & gourmet food.

Ziel is a collaborator with the National Cycling League and is the clubhouse for the Miami Nights CC. “Our mission is to honor the sport of cycling