FROM THE
PUBLISHER & Creative Director
As summer begins….
It’s Dominos!!! We don’t have a conscious theme going on here, however, ChamberSOUTH’s young professional group Chamber N-XT just hosted a knock-out Domino’s tournament, their seventh annual (see page 33), and the “Miami Dominos” public art exhibit under the Metrorail at the University of Miami station is catching eyes.
(See page 12.)
We know summer is around the corner when the community comes together for the annual Twilight 5K Run/Walk through the streets of South Miami. Thousands show up for this great family-friendly event, started by the late John “Hans” Huseby and Laurie of Team FootWorks. And the highlight of summer fun is the annual July 4th celebration at Palmer Park, with picnics, bands, food and fun activities for the kids (and adults too).
The Shops at Sunset Place redevelopment is our cover feature. In our exclusive feature, the magazine traces the history of this most priced parcel of real estate on US1: from the original Holsum Bakery, to the Bakery Centre, to The Shops at Sunset Place – twice! Third time has got to be the charm. The City Commission has unanimously approved the project’s site plan which calls for significant developments in bringing people to live, shop and play in our town center. (See the cover feature starting on page 15.)
And as we go to print the Winn Dixie site redevelopment is up for review by the
City Commission. If approved as proposed, we will have appreciably more residential housing in our business district with a new and superior Winn Dixie.
Our What’s New in Town focuses on the entrepreneurs who are investing in our community: we welcome Wynwood donut shoppe, The Salty Donut; new additions to our international cuisine, WU’s Kitchen & Wines and an established Spanish restaurant with authentic food and entertainment. Taberna de Ignacio to slated to open in
July at the entrance to our dining and shopping district. Pura Pizza is a most unique organic pizzeria also planning an opening this summer. It is a creation of a noted artist, this pizzeria is a statement on sustainability. We appreciate their investment
and commitment to our community. You can read about their newly established businesses and others, on pages 36 & 37.
Pedestrian and bicyclist safety has always been a big issue of mine, as many know
I have been a commuter cyclist for the past twenty years. Again, a shout-out to County Commissioner Xavier Suarez who championed the landscaped pedestrian median on Red Road. And thanks to the City of South Miami PD and Public Works department for placing “Yield to Pedestrian” signs throughout town.
I invite you to “Be Part of the Conversation” and weigh-in with your comments.
Your comments are always welcome, especially as we look forward to our fifteenth year publishing the magazine come this fall, and gearing up for some exciting changes.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.
Enjoy your summer, and wherever your travels take you, be safe…
See you at the July 4th celebration!