New Beginnings…Post-Irma
As we were preparing to usher in the new collegiate and NFL action, the nasty side of Irma hit, and the cards got shuffled. Pre- and post-hurricane actions were a three-week hit. In the SOMI Town Center area (South Miami, Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County), 41 businesses were closed for seven to 10 days. Retail, restaurants and service businesses were affected including three banks and an office building. Hourly workers and hard-pressed retail establishments took a big hit. One restaurateur disclosed to me that his losses were $250,000+ during those three weeks, and that’s not coming back! And we’re grateful, because it could have been much worse.
We’re now just settling into the premieres of TV network shows, school projects for kids (and parents too!) and so much more. With October, there’s another new iPhone – right on cue — and we welcome the thirteenth year of your SOMI Magazine. Thanks to all those retail business, restaurants, institutions and service providers who have contributed to the success of this publication with their advertising and, in many cases, their personal support over past twelve years.
I hope you like what we’ve done with the graphics and content on some of our regular features. In Volume XIII, No. 1, our lifestyle/food section focuses on wines. Check out our newest writer’s contribution and the SOMI uncorked graphic to go along (page 29).
We continue the magazine’s commitment to promote and support those regional cultural institutions and resources in our “backyard.” Many readers have favorably commented and appreciate the magazine’s coverage of these local treasures. I hope you enjoy our latest: The Million Orchid Project. Our SOMI Magazine exclusive community cultural resources series is made possible only with our sustaining advertisers partners. Thanks again.
Another well-received feature of SOMI Magazine is the focus on businesses observing milestone years: 10, 20, 25 and more years here in our hometown. On page 24, we single out At Ease on Sunset, approaching its 35th year of operations and its owner’s 10 years as fashionista-in-chief.
SHOP SMALL IN SOMI is not just a one-day-of-the-year campaign. In each issue of Volume XIII,
SOMI Magazine will be singling out 10 businesses in a special centerfold spread. Take a look at just some of the businesses that makes SOMI SO SPECIAL ().
October as we well know is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here in South Miami, Hope 4 L.Y.F.E. presented the SOMI 3K Breast Cancer Walk – a great first time event. We all know someone, some family affected by the scourge of cancer. My mom passed over 25 years ago from breast cancer. Mantle cell carcinoma took the life of my 51-year-old nephew, and my best friend passed over this August from liver cancer at age 52. Both mothers share the tragic grief of burying a son. Thoughts and prayers go out to all.
Big changes loom here in South Miami. The Shops at Sunset Place is ready to submit plans to the city for a hotel, two apartment buildings and a multifaceted “revitalization” of its nine-acre site. The city’s elected officials should embrace with open arms this $175+ million commitment of the owners and give them the five votes they need to move forward. It’s time to act; this redevelopment is critical for the life of our shopping and dining district and for the city itself.
As a founding sponsor of Art Night South Miami, I’m delighted to invite you to “Get Your Art On”
at “SOMIartwalk©.” (see page 35). And speaking of art, calendar the first weekend of November for the 46th annual ChamberSOUTH Juried Fine Art Festival held on Sunset Drive.
That’s about it from me. Now it’s your turn to BE PART OF THE CONVERSATIONsm. Let us know your take on our magazine changes and happenings in SOMI, and please visit SOMI Magazine ONLINE at somimag.loc.
Enjoy the start of Volume XIII and thanks for sharing SOMI Magazine with friends.
Best wishes for a blessing Thanksgiving shared with family and friends.
